Sickening thugs have threatened to decapitate an autistic boy’s therapy dog if his family do not pay £10,000.
Luke Sims, 12, was inseparable from Pippa, a three-year-old Cavapoochon, who played with him and helped manage his autism and anxiety . When she disappeared two months ago, Luke offered all his birthday money – £90 – for information to help find her. But cruel thugs have called the family, from Newark, Nottinghamshire, saying they will chop off Pippa’s head unless they pay a £10,000 ransom.The family have gone to extreme lengths to find Pippa, including a drone search of the local area, but mum Sheila is convinced she was taken by thieves.
She said: ‘I received a call in the early hours in December, it was a guy asking for £10,000.
‘I told him I only had £1,000 and he said “good luck with that, I’m going to chop her head off and dump her at your house.”
‘She’s such an important part of our lives, affecting how Luke is feeling. He’s gone downhill since this happened after doing so well. He’s just heartbroken.
No, it’s not just to make themselves look adorable. Dogs curl up in a ball when they sleep due to an age-old instinct to keep themselves warm and protect their abdomen and vital organs from predators.
‘He shows it in different ways, but you can tell how it’s hurt him. He won’t buy anything with the money and says it’s staying in the jar until he can thank someone for finding her.
‘I can’t explain to him some of these things that are going on. They’re just not nice. Obviously, we’re staying home at the moment, so not having Pippa here’s been awful.’Luke said: ‘I feel so sad and confused, why would people be so unkind and not bring my cuddle buddy home.’
Sheila has also had to endure calls from people saying Pippa was deliberately ‘run over’ and ‘thrown out of the car’.
Despite the disgusting calls, Sheila is persevering for Luke, believing that some truth may emerge.
On the night of November 8, Pippa was accidentally let out while being watched by a friend in central Newark. She is believed to have made her way to the railway crossing near Winthorpe Estate and followed the train tracks. Sheila searched around three miles of the track for signs of the dog, before being detained by British Transport Police.Plan for When You’re Not There. Make sure your pets are provided for during those long hours when you’re away. Dr. Becker suggests technological options. “DOGTV has stimulation and relaxation channels, and there are apps that control contraptions that talk to your pet, or dispense treats. Pheromone sprays can also reduce anxiety, creating that kumbaya atmosphere.” And, of course, daycare and dog walkers are a great way to enrich your pet’s day. “Know someone who wants exercise? Maybe they’ll walk your dog.”
Understanding her reasoning and obvious signs of distress she was released without charge, but by that point, Pippa had vanished.
Sheila added: ‘Deep down I’m hoping someone’s picked her up and kept her, that they see the advert or maybe a neighbour recognises her in the paper, then they’ll let us know.’
Pippa has a black coat but is distinctive due to her grey legs and underbody, along with a white patch on her chest. She has been spade and microchipped.
If you have information about Pippa, you can search for the Facebook group, Pippa Still Missing Newark NG24.
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