FOUR adorable dogs were stolen from a car, leaving their owner devastated and pleading for help to find them.

As co-founder of Tilly’s Angels, Ann Cushion is used to helping others search for their missing hounds, but never imagined she’d be hunting to find her own.

Ann, from Leigh, had stopped on Tuesday for a “fly-by” visit at her sister’s home, parking her car with all four dogs inside on Watery Lane in Hullbridge.

The 61-year-old returned to the car to find Micky, a springer spaniel, Ruby, a black lab cross, Mandy, an English setter, and Chara, another English setter, were all missing.

She said: “It should’ve taken ten minutes, but it ended up taking a little longer than anticipated.

“The weather was cool, so I left them for a short time. When I came back the side door was open and the crates were empty. I was in utter disbelief and completely stunned.

“I couldn’t believe how quickly it could happen and was honestly lost for words, they’ve been in my life for a long time.

“I’ve had Ruby for around 11 years, she’s twelve, and then took on the others after. They are like my children.”

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Each of Ann’s dogs are rescues, with both Mandy and Chara in need of daily medication and constant treatment.

The pair of English setters, originally from Greece, both suffer with Leishmaniasis – a disease caused by a protozoan parasite found in dogs and certain rodents.

Ann added: “I’m always out looking for stray dogs, so it’s ironic I’m now out searching for my own. It’s devastating that they’ve taken my four babies away from me, all in one fell swoop.

“Even though I run this group and I know there are some awful people out there, it doesn’t matter how many times you look for someone else’s dog.

“You can’t prepare yourself for how you will feel when your own are stolen. The pain is indescribable, but we won’t give up.

“If people who live in the area can please check their CCTV, Ring doorbells and dash cam footage, I would be hugely grateful.”

A spokesman from Essex Police, said: “Between 8.45pm and 9.28pm on Tuesday, four dogs were removed together with other property, from a Maroon coloured Peugeot, whilst it was parked on Watery Lane.”

Contact police on 101 quoting reference 1453 of 21 September 2021 or crime number 42/205214/21, with information.