EAST Cornwall residents and visitors are being asked to keep an eye out for a small Yorkshire Terrier who has been missing from her home in Menheniot for six days.

Little Star went missing after bolting from a garden in Frogwell, between Callington and Newbridge, while staying with friends on Thursday, April 14. Her owner Lisa is disabled but has been out walking with friends in nearby woodland and fields searching for her but as yet has not been successful.

Lisa’s friend Kate McPherson said: ’Lisa is desperately worried and completely devastated. There were a handful of local sightings in the first few days, which gives hope that Star is still out there fending for herself. There are plenty of outbuildings, water sources and places to scavenge in this rural area so we have every reason to remain hopeful.

’Star has a unique personality. She has a strong bond with Lisa’s autistic son and is dreadfully missed. Lisa is very poorly and despite being in tremendous pain, has been out walking through the rough terrain looking for Star at all hours.’

Lots of helpers turned out on Monday to do a blanket search of the area between Callington and Menheniot but found no sign of her. There have been volunteer walkers searching on foot, Mark Utley brought out his tracker dog Nellie to help, John Doswell, who runs an aerial service for missing people, took his plane to the skies and local video drone company Kite Vision also donated its service. A Facebook page has also been set up www.facebook.com/missingdogstar

Kate said the community support has been overwhelming: ’The sense of community spirit is palpable and heart-warming and there really aren’t enough words to express how thankful we are to everyone that’s helped so far.

’She could be close by or she could have travelled. We’re asking that everyone in the Callington and Menheniot areas stay vigilant and continue to help where possible. Please check your sheds and outbuildings in case she’s made herself at home. If you’re going out for a walk please head for one of the areas we’re searching. If you do spot her please don’t attempt to approach her. She’s very timid and will likely run off. Get down low, avoid eye contact and call 07715 385295 or 07772 584844 as soon as possible. If we don’t manage to pick her up after a sighting then we have K9 and their bloodhounds on standby to track her scent.

’It’s hard to keep going after six days of searching. We’re feeling numb. We’re not going to give up though as there’s a good chance that she’s out there lost, cold and hungry, waiting to be found. Please continue to help us so we can bring little Star home where she belongs.’