The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is appealing for the safe return of a trainee guide dog who was stolen a week ago in London.

Purdie, a German Shepherd, was taken from one of the charity’s vans, which was parked in Greenstead Avenue, off Snakes Lane in Woodford Bridge, Greater London, between 2.10 and 3.30pm on Monday April 29.

The 15-month-old bitch was left in the van with another dog during a routine training exercise. The van door was left slightly open for ventiliation, but Purdie was in a cage inside the van. When the trainers returned Purdie was missing.

Wendy Biss-Cooper, Dog Supply Unit Manager at Guide Dogs’ London Centre, where Purdie was undergoing her training, said:

“The staff are all distraught by Purdie’s disappearance and we are desperate to get her back. Purdie is a fantastic dog who was about to become the ‘eyes’ of a blind or partially sighted person. We are appealing to anyone who knows anything about her whereabouts to contact the police.”

Purdie was about to embark upon the last three months of her training before qualifying as a guide dog and being matched up with a new owner. She has black and tan colouring, and has been microchipped by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Anyone with information is asked to call Barkingside Police on 0208 478 1123 or Guide Dogs’ London Centre on 0208 5061515.