Bristol family use own urine to find missing pet dog

A Bristol family are trying to lure their missing black Labrador home – by using their own urine to scent-mark trees and lamp posts.

Simon the dog, who is 10 years old, ran off from his home in Napier Road, Redland, last Saturday evening.

He has been seen a number of times since in Whiteladies Road and in the Redland, Cotham and Henleaze areas.

Simon is owned by interior decorator Jonathan Baltesz, who is 44 today, his wife Louise, 43, and their children Henry, 15 and Clara, 13, who have been doing all they can think of to find their beloved pet.

They have searched the streets every day, put up posters and telephoned vets and rescue centres.

And when someone suggested that Simon might pick up their scent from their urine they thought it was worth a try.

They have been filling bottles with diluted urine and sprinkling it in places where the dog has been seen and then laying trails back home.

A small army of friends and volunteers has been helping.

Louise said: "I know it sounds bizarre and I'm embarrassed to mention it but it makes sense if you think about it.

"Simon may pick up our scent. Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell.

"We have been laying scent trails sprinkled on trees and lamp posts where he has been seen.

"I want to thank everyone who helped with that."

The family believe Simon could have been injured and are asking people to check their gardens, sheds and garages for an injured dog.

Simon is very timid and is likely to run off if approached. He doesn't like his head being stroked but he responds to whistles and is greedy.

He has been spotted scavenging in bins.

"There is a possibility someone might have taken him in," said Louise. "If so, please can we have him back – we miss him so much.

"Despite having two other dogs, the house is so quiet without him.

"He never did learn how to go through a door without knocking everything and everyone and skated about on our kitchen floor as if it were ice.

"We even miss his whining and door scratching from downstairs at first light.

"It would be the most wonderful birthday present for Jonathan if Simon came home"

The family loves Simon so much they held a 10th birthday party for him, complete with cake.

They even asked the police if sniffer dogs could be used in the search. While very sympathetic, the force declined.

Simon has been microchipped and had on a green collar with his name and owner's mobile number woven into it.

Anyone who has seen Simon or knows where the dog is can contact the family on 07767 883926.