Community search for beloved family dog missing from Bedwas
Travis, a brown Sprocker Spaniel, disappeared earlier this week, sparking a tireless search led by owner Tayne Evans and the wider community.
At the time of his disappearance on Wednesday, April 16, he was being walked by a trusted dog walker in the Bedwas Pitt Area.
Desperate to be reunited with Travis, Mr Evans has been driving from Cardiff after work, joining others in combing through the area in hopes of spotting any sign of the dog.
'We've had him since he was a puppy, so about three or four years now. Travis is a big part of our family, especially to his sister Mila. We call them the Kray Twins; they go everywhere together,' Mr Evans said.
He first realised Travis was missing about 12 hours after his disappearance, when he saw a Facebook post shared by his mum who is currently away in America.
Travis was last seen on April 16 (Image: Tayne Evans)
Since then, his commitment to finding Travis has been unwavering. 'It's hard when I work 9–5, but every opportunity I've had to go out, I have,' he said.
Not only did the social media post appealing for information about missing Travis gain a significant amount of traction, but individuals have also come out of their homes to form search parties in aid.
Neighbours, friends, and even strangers have rallied together, offering their time and support in a united effort to bring Travis home.
'I live in Cardiff, so I've driven up every night so far, searching for hours on end up Bedwas Pitts, and still no sign,' Mr Evans said.
'I know he's out there somewhere; I just wish I knew an exact location.'
The Sprocker spaniel was last seen in Bedwas Pitts (Image: Tayne Evans)
With the mystery surrounding Travis's disappearance, Mr Evans can't help but worry, saying: "Someone may have found him and taken him in, either to keep as a pet or possibly to use as a working dog. But we just don't know, and without evidence, the police can't get involved.'
In a move to expand the search, drones are being deployed in the hope of covering more ground and finally spotting Travis.
Mr Evans urged anyone who thinks they've seen Travis to take photo evidence rather than calling out to him.
'He'll only respond to familiar voices,' he explained.
While the community continues to show support, the ordeal remains heart-wrenching for the family, particularly Mr Evans' parents who are away and unable to join the search.
'It's so heart-breaking. I can only imagine how my parents feel,' he said.
As the search enters a critical phase, Mr Evans remains grateful for the outpouring of help and hopeful for a happy reunion.
Anyone with information or potential sightings is encouraged to come forward. Anything may help to bring Travis home.
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