Witness Scott Bratton, 24, who lives near the park and was walking through with his housemates, said the dog fell in the water after chasing a duck across the ice.

The artists behind this enterprise will turn a photo of your dog or cat into a posed portrait in what is purported to be “Renaissance” style, dressed up as a queen or soldier.

Early on Monday morning, a damp autumn chill greets me when I open the garden door. One afternoon, I look up from my work to see the squirrel sitting on my office step, watching me through the open door, and eating a cherry tomato with both hands.

Cody ran off during a walk in Hadley Wood, Barnet, with a trusted dog walker that James has used for three years. (Picture: James Firsht)Understandably, James is utterly distraught by the loss of his best friend.