It is said we are a nation of dog lovers – and if there was ever any doubt, we refer you to the Baltesz family from Redland.

Their loyalty to their dog, Simon, seemingly has no limits.

The story began last Saturday when Simon, a black Labrador, went missing from the family home.

The Balteszes have tried all the usual methods of finding him – posters, trawling the local streets, and calling vets and rescue centres.

All has been to no avail and now they have ventured where few dog lovers – however distraught – have ever gone.

They have latched on to the scientific fact that dogs are able to pick up the scent of their owners, and to attract Simon, the Balteszes have been laying trails of their own urine (diluted) in the streets of north west Bristol.

This dedication is remarkable.

For most people who have never had a dog, the family's behaviour will seen strange – a feeling compounded by the knowledge that not only are they spraying the urine, but they have managed to enlist the help of an army of friends.

They are putting their embarrassment to one side because Simon is part of their family.

It would be easy to ridicule the Balteszes, but they have pulled together, and no family would deserve it more if their plan works.

It may be that Simon has strayed too far or he could be being looked after inside a house.

But by being a little bit daring, the Balteszes could well attract a huge amount of media attention.

And it may be that someone who knows of Simon's whereabouts will get in touch.

Either way, we hope the Balteszes' efforts are rewarded.