A police report has been filed by a distraught Indian family after their beloved dog, a Rough Collie, went missing in Gudaibiya on Sunday morning.
The devastated family is offering BD100 for Annie’s safe return, claiming that she is one of the only two dogs of her breed in Bahrain.
The breed is best known for the iconic role of Lassie, which began as a novel in the 1940s and led to a raft of eponymous films, television series, radio programmes and more.
Annie went missing from the family’s compound behind Gudaibiya Palace on Sunday morning. Her last confirmed sighting was near Filipino Gardens and Mannai Studio at around 6pm on Sunday.
“We filed a report (Case No 4920) at Hoora Police Station the day she went missing and we have been searching everywhere to find her,” the dog’s owner, Sarada Ajith, told the GDN.
“She lives in our home with my husband and two daughters who all love her very much,” the 52-year-old, who was the former Indian Ladies Association president, added.
“We have also informed all the major vet clinics in Bahrain in case someone has brought her there.”
The seven-year-old long-coated dog has been microchipped and spayed but was not wearing a collar at the time of her disappearance.
“She is a very furry dog and so these extreme temperatures will be hard for her. I believe she’s probably hiding in a cool and shaded place, which will also make it more difficult to find her,” added Ms Ajith, who has lived in Bahrain for more than 20 years.
The family also fears that Annie may have been stolen because of her distinctive appearance.
“We are very concerned that someone might have stolen her and could be keeping her inside a house. If that is the case, it would be completely devastating.
“Even though a police report has been filed, if someone holding Annie comes forward with her, we assure the person will not be in trouble.”
Ms Ajith’s daughter Sneha, who completed the majority of her schooling in the kingdom and now lives in India, is doing everything she can to spread the word about her missing dog, and is urging members of the public to do their part and keep an eye out.
Annie at the family’s house
“Annie isn’t just a dog, she is a member of our family,” Sneha said.
“We have had her for six years; we adopted her from Charis Vets Veterinary Clinic,” she added.
“Rough Collies are a special breed, and we just want her back and safe. She is an introverted dog who is scared of her surroundings and even though over the years she has improved, she is still very anxious.
“We urge people to keep a lookout and if you see her, it’s important to remain as calm as possible. If you give her some love, she will be kind to you.
“We are offering a cash reward if she is found.”
‘Lassie’ was a fictional female Rough Collie dog featured in a 1938 short story by Eric Knight, which was later expanded into a full-length novel, Lassie Come-Home, in 1940.
The Rough Collie, one of Britain’s most recognisable breeds, faces an uncertain future following a steep decline in the breed’s popularity to record their lowest numbers in more than 75 years. The breed is now close to being classed as ‘at risk’ by The Kennel Club, which monitors breeds with declining numbers in the United Kingdom.
Anyone who spots Annie is urged to call 38872702.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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