A COMMUNITY is rallying round to help search for a much-loved missing dog.

Around 40 people are expected to look for Pathos in Pitsea on Sunday.

The group will scour Pitsea Park off Rectory Road and London Road and the wider area from 11am following a number of sightings.

More than 1,450 people have also signed a Facebook group to help search for Pathos, after he went missing from a Pitsea back garden on Christmas Day.

The 11-year-old rescue dog’s family are devastated and have plastered 700 missing posters across south Essex in a bid to be reunited with the unusual miniature husky shiba.

The family is also offering a reward for his safe return.

Angela Bruce, 42, Pathos’s owner was visiting her mum on Christmas Day when Pathos slipped his harness and got out of the back garden.

There have been reported sightings in Pound Lane, Clay Hill Road, Rectory Road and Long Riding since.

She said: “The whole family is worried about his welfare and are doing everything we can to get him back. He is a rescue dog from France and is 11 years old, so is not worth anything, but means everything to us.”

The family have had him for six years.

She added: “He is microchipped and very unusual and cute looking as he is a miniature husky shiba and about the size of a corgi. He looks younger than his years and is quite timid with new people, but would not bite anyone.

“I have heard that sometimes people take lost dogs in as strays, but would urge anyone to give him back or report him to the dog warden if you have found him.”

His disappearance comes after the Echo reported a rise in the number of missing pets and pleas by local authorities and kennels for people who find lost dogs to report them.

If you have seen Pathos or know his whereabouts call Angela on 07522 918278. To help with the search turn up at 11am at Pitsea Park.