A MAN is appealing for his puppy to be returned after it was stolen when he nipped into a pub after being caught short.
Chris Evans and his girlfriend Emma Sunman have been devastated after Bella was stolen just three weeks after they bought her.
Police are investigating the theft of the seven-month-old boxer outside The Albert Hotel in Anlaby Road, Hull, at 6.30pm on Monday, June 17.
Mr Evans, 34, who is currently in Hull Royal Infirmary for a minor operation, spoke to the Mail from his hospital bedside in a desperate bid to get Bella home.
He said: "I was sitting outside the Albert Hotel and needed the toilet, so I asked a man I didn't know to look after Bella. He seemed OK and had been sitting with us for a little while.
"He agreed but when I returned, the man and Bella had both left.
"I stopped a passing police patrol car and searched the area and there was no sign of either of them.
"I am desperate to get her home."
The seven-month-old female boxer dog has four white socks and a long curly tail – which is not common on boxer dogs.
There is a brown spot under her chin and she has a white chest.
She was being walked on a blue lead with a blue collar that had "LOVE" written on them.
Mr Evans said: "I just don't know why someone would pinch my dog. I took her everywhere with me.
"She even slept in the same room as me and my partner.
"I do feel like I've lost my baby and really hope Mail readers can help get her back.
"It has been frustrating being in hospital as it has prevented me from searching for her."
Police have information to suggest Bella may have been seen in the Coltman Street and Boulevard areas of Hull.
A man is also reported to have been walking her on a different coloured lead and may have changed her name to Lucy.
Emma, Chris's partner, said: "I just want my baby back.
"I cried when Chris told me she had been taken. We'd only had her three weeks. "
Since the disappearance, Emma has been out searching for her dog.
"I have been out looking all over," she said.
"I don't know why someone would take my much-loved puppy."
The police are continuing to investigate the theft and officers have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
A spokesman from the force said: "Despite a number of enquiries by police and the owners, Bella has still not been located and her owners are desperate to get her home.
"We have released CCTV images of a man we'd like to speak to in connection with the incident.
"We have also made enquiries with the RSPCA and the local dog warden."
Police are now appealing to anyone who may know who stole Bella or can help the police locate her to call them on 101, referring to crime reference number 1981165.
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