A family has been left distraught after their much loved pet dog was swept away in flood waters in Co Tipperary.
The McGrath family from Treacy Park in Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary were out walking with 14-year-old Bessie, a retriever when she entered the river at around 5.30pm last Sunday.
Bessie entered the water close to Suirside Veterinary Clinic and according to Rosemarie McGrath, who said that her “beloved” pet did her best to get out of the flood waters.
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The dog was given to Ms McGrath's son Killian for his 5th birthday in March 2009.
Ms McGrath explained: “The river was ferocious that night with high flood water and a strong current. The river flows onwards to Waterford city.
“Bessie tried her best to swim but I lost sight of her in the dark when she went under the old bridge (in the town). We live in Treacy Park across from the river bank so that was her usual walking area every day.”
Her distraught family are holding out hope that Bessie may have escaped the current and ran into a field down river and are asking anyone around the area to check their land and outhouses in the hope that she may be there and suffering with shock.
“Any sightings that we thought might be her were checked out but unfortunately it wasn't our girl. In the meantime we will keep searching, hoping and praying,” added Ms McGrath.
“I can't thank everyone enough for your kind messages, to the people who helped search and offers of help to look for her, we are overwhelmed with the kindness shown to us. We won't give up hope yet.”
Waterford Marine Search and Rescue are also appealing to any member of the public to make contact if they spot Bessie.
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