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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
James McNeill

'Hopes and prayers' dashed as family confirm puppy's 'heartbreaking' death

Messages of support have flooded in after a teen's beloved therapy dog died after being "spooked" in the park.

Kerry Harding bought her Cockapoo, Heidi, as a therapy dog to help her son Dylan, 18, who has cancer. On Sunday, December 4, while being looked after by a family friend, Heidi became "spooked" at Eccleston Park golf park. Heidi was spotted along the railway tracks between Huyton, Rainhill, and Whiston on Sunday evening, and trains were slowed down for an hour in an effort to locate her.

Even though family and friends came out in an attempt to look for, it was later confirmed that Heidi "didn't make it" and the family are "broken". Following the ECHO's story, hundreds of people have offered their condolences to the family.

READ MORE: 'Fit' dad who fought for GP appointment diagnosed with rare cancer

Helena Daniels said: "Oh that’s devastating news, you must be all heartbroken, they are not just dogs they are the closest friend you’ll ever have. They are so loyal, thinking of all the family and what Heidi meant to you all. I’m so sorry to hear your sad news. R.I.P Heidi".

Michelle Hodgkinson commented: "I was hoping for her to be reunited with her loving family so heartbreaking fly high over that rainbow bridge Heidi beautiful baby girl. Love and prayers with Dylan and his family. Sleep tight beautiful girl."

Dylan's family posted an update to Facebook which said: "Thank you to everyone who has helped to look for Heidi over the last 24 hours, and the countless messages of support we’ve received. We’re devastated to have to say our Heidi didn’t make it and our family is absolutely broken."

Helen Whitehead said: "I am so sorry. A very similar thing happened to a lurcher I had. A dog spooked her n she ran off n was hit by a train. We searched for her for days. RIP Heidi." Joan Manning commented: "Absolutely heartbreaking for beautiful Heidi's family. My thoughts are with you all. I was hoping and praying for a miracle on finding your precious baby Heidi, devastating news."

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