Can you help reunite heartbroken family with Max and Ruby?

A heartbroken family has put out an appeal to find their two beloved dogs who disappeared nearly two weeks ago.

Tim and Emma Matkin along with children Jack and eight-year-old Olivia are desperately hoping to trace cocker spaniels Ruby and Max who went missing from Sculthorpe Air Field on February 5.

Ruby and Max, who belongs to 10-year-old Jack, chased after a rabbit at about 4.30pm and have not been seen since.

A specialist tracking dog had followed the pair’s trail to a road but from there it went cold, creating fears that the pair have been picked up.

Scores of villagers and family friends have rallied around Matkins to try and find the pair.

Their search has also been widely published on Facebook.

Mrs Matkin said: “We are all absolutely heartbroken and our remaining dog, Poppy, is also missing them.

“The children are incredibly upset. Max was Jack’s dog and they are great friends.

“We really want to make it clear that they have been microchipped and both have been sterilised so they could never be used for breeding.”

Mr Matkin has also thanked the friends who have rallied around to help with searches over the last few weeks along with sharing the story on Facebook.

He said: “We are really grateful for everyone’ support.

“We have had so much help with people walking miles trying to find them.

“We have been overwhelmed by the amount of time and effort people have put in along with putting up posters.”

Gun dogs Max and Ruby, who also needs ongoing medication, went missing from the airfield at 4.30pm.

Mr Matkin remained there until 10.30pm and returned the next morning at 4.50am but with no luck.

The family called in Lokie , a specialist Wolf dog, who was able to follow the pair’s scent until it went cold.

Mr Matkin said: “There was no fresh trail and it petered out at the road.

“They are such friendly dogs and for them not have been seen since February 5 makes me think someone has picked them up.”

Mrs Matkin added: “It has left a massive hole in our lives.”

n Could you help to reunite Max and Ruby with their family? Contact the family on 07766 141224