A WOMAN out walking the family dog was left stunned when a man came up to her, unclipped the animal's lead and then ran off with it.

The dog was stolen just a week after the family had taken it in from an animal charity.

Now Eileen and Michael Bray, and their children, Andrew, 6, and Jessica, 4, are pleading for help to find the animal.

And a charity has offered a £200 reward for its safe return.

Seven-month-old Buster, a Border Terrier and German Shepherd cross, was snatched from Mrs Bray as she took him for a walk near their home in Erskine, Renfrewshire, on Friday night.

Mrs Bray, 38, said: "He may not have been with us long, but he had already become part of the family.

"He loved the children from the moment we brought him home. We are devastated."

Mrs Bray was walking Buster, who is black with a tan face and paws, in Bargarran Road when the theft happened.

She said: "A man came up to us and started talking. He never really looked at me – just Buster.

"He asked some questions about him, such as how old he is, and started to clap Buster.

"Before I knew it, he had unclipped Buster's lead and ran off with him. It took a few seconds for what was happening to sink in.

"Then I started to chase him, but it was too late, and soon Buster was out of sight. That was the last time I saw him."

The puppy, which had been rescued by animal charity Lamont City Farm, had been a present for Andrew's sixth birthday.

Andrew and Jessica, who have drawn missing posters for Buster, desperately want their pet back.

The six-year-old Bargarran Primary pupil said: "He's a brilliant, fun dog. We miss him a lot and want him to come home."

Now, charity Help 2 Rehome, has offered a £200 reward for Buster's safe return.

Mr Bray, 35, said: "The support we have received has been amazing, we can't thank people enough."

Police are investigating the theft. The man they are hunting is about 21-24, about 5ft 8in and of heavy build. He was wearing a white or cream hooded top, with a blue stripe, and light blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to call Renfrew police office on 0141 532 2000.

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk