A MUCH-loved family pet which sparked a nationwide hunt after her disappearance has been found dead.
Lulu the Cockerpoo dog, who was owned by the Clark family at Lucker, near Belford, Northumberland, was found by a farmer close to the their home on Wednesday morning.
Claire Clark last night said the family was devastated by Lulu’s death but grateful for the overwhelming support their search received.
The 14-month-old light brown cocker spaniel and poodle cross was bought by Claire and her husband Steve for eight-year-old daughter Nell as a Christmas present in 2010.
At about 8.30am on December 29, Lulu was let into the garden with the family’s other dog, 11-year-old golden Labrador Ron.
When Steve went into the garden after a few minutes, Lulu had vanished.
The devastated family conducted searches of the surrounding area but their pet was nowhere to be seen.
The Clarks believed the pet may have strayed on to the road outside their home and been taken by someone passing.
The family reported the disappearance to police and launched their own hunt for Lulu.
Posters were put up far and wide, and vets, dog wardens and rescue centres contacted.
A Facebook group was set up entitled Help Find Lulu, which 1,700 people joined.
