Family's devastation as dog ashes are stolen (From Thurrock Gazette)

Family's devastation as dog ashes are stolen

8:00am Saturday 1st September 2012 in News

A FAMILY have been left “absolutely devastated” after thieves stole their pet dog’s ashes.

Zoe Moore, 35, said Skye’s ashes were taken from the window sill of her ground floor flat as her husband slept.

The boxer dog’s remains were in a pine-coloured casket box, which Zoe believes thieves initially mistook for a jewellery box.

She said: “They probably took it thinking it was a jewellery box, but what I find hardest to take is why they didn’t just leave it on the grass outside the flat when they realised what it was.

"The box just has a plaque with the name Skye on it – how did they know it wasn’t human ashes in there?”

Zoe’s neighbour saw two teenage boys trying to smash a box open outside the flat, in Broxburn Drive, South Ockendon, last Monday night (August 20), but they ran off with the box when she shouted at them.

The theft is particularly hard for the family to bear as Skye, who died five years ago, was a companion for Zoe’s mother when she was dying, and her two daughters, aged 15 and nine, grew up with the dog.

Zoe said: “We’re all absolutely devastated, there are so many sentimental memories.

“Skye kept my mum company when she was dying, as she had to spend a lot of time in bed. “We’ve searched everywhere outside, but we can’t find them anywhere.”

They are offering a reward for the safe return of the ashes.

Call the Knight of Aveley pub, run by Zoe’s mother-in-law Maxine, on 01708 855582.