An adorable puppy has been stolen by a man claiming to be a dog trainer.

Owner AnnMarie Hamlett, from Kingsway, Chester, is desperate to find ‘playful’ Milo, a 12-week-old Jack Russell and Pomeranian cross.

AnnMarie, 24, explained that she received a private message from someone who said he was a dog trainer after posting in various Facebook groups about how she needed some professional help because Milo’s mum and her partner’s dog were struggling to get along.

The man – who is thought to be aged between 20 and 25 – visited her home on Sussex Road on Saturday (April 30), and enquired what food Milo ate before asking if he could take him for a walk on the grass verge outside.

AnnMarie agreed, but the man ‘scarpered off’.

Distraught

Heartbroken AnnMarie ran after him but he had ‘disappeared’.

“I was stupid enough to give him my address but I have not stopped crying since the day Milo was stolen,” she said.

“I miss him to death.”

Charity #ItsAllAboutTheAnimals – which helps reunite animals with their owners – has been spreading the word online by sharing Milo’s story.

Milo, who is micro-chipped, was wearing a blue collar with white spots and an ID tag.

PC Ian Cuthbertson, from Blacon Police Station, said police enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with any information should call Cheshire police on 101 quoting incident number 918 of April 30, or call AnnMarie on 07541 760325.