A delivery driver who found a heartbreaking note left outside a customer's home has made it his mission to help the elderly man who wrote it.
David MacLeod has been delivering to the man for almost six years, and on a recent visit spotted his note that appealed for help after the death of his beloved dog.
It reads: "Looking for a small dog for company - lost my dog to cancer - do not feel well without him - a Jack Russell Cairn." The note also included the words "pay £30", which David believes is how much money the pensioner is able to offer for a dog.
Dad-of-two David, who works for Iceland, was left saddened by the message and has been trying to find the "caring" customer a new companion to live with in his home in West Kilbride, North Ayrshire.
He has already been in touch with rescue centres in the hope of finding a suitable dog and his post on social media has gone viral as he became inundated with offers to help.
David, 49, said: "I'd seen the gentleman with his Jack Russell running about over the years and you could see how attached he was to his dog.
"It is an absolute shame - all these wee notes started appearing around the village about how he was looking for a new dog.
"I have been delivering to him for almost six years and he is such a nice caring man. It is absolutely heartbreaking to read these ads, and I am happy to help with the cost.
"I have spoken to the charity Give a Dog a Bone and they have a couple of rescue dogs which may be suitable.
"The response I have received from the public has been absolutely amazing.
"It will definitely improve the man's quality of life - and it's so good to see how much people care.
"The other good thing is that folk in the community have been phoning him and keeping in touch - it is unbelievable the amount of interest there has been.
"I hope we can have a happy ending. It would bring a smile to his face - and I am sure he will be delighted.
"I am going to leave it to the dog organisations I've been in touch with to choose the right pet, as I know they have experience pairing dogs with elderly people who suffer from loneliness.
"It will be great to see my customer with a new wee companion."
