Camden News - by DAN CARRIER Published: 10 July 2008
Manon with owner, Terri
Ricky makes missing Manon his pet cause with pal Ross
COMEDIAN Ricky Gervais has turned dog detective to track down a pup stolen while enjoying walkies across Hampstead Heath – and has roped in his fellow BBC celebrity chum Jonathan Ross to help. Gervais, who lives in Hampstead, was alerted to the case of the missing eight-month-old whippet called Manon by a neighbour and has sprung into action.
His intervention came days after the New Journal reported on the missing dog last week.
Owner Terri Berg, from West Hampstead, said: “My gratitude towards them is more than I can possibly express.”
Gervais called Ross
during his Radio 2 show and went on air to publicise the case. Both offered to add £1,000 each to a reward. “This lovely little whippet puppy was stolen from Hampstead Heath this week: Our manor, as we say,” said Gervais. “It’s fawn and got grey eyes and it’s beautiful. “The reason why we need a nationwide appeal is that they are not often found in the local area. “The people that buy them are totally innocent.”
It is not the first time the animal-loving comedian has helped find missing pets: Gervais joined a search for a dog that was taken from Russell Square in Bloomsbury last January, offering a £650 reward.
Ms Berg has hired a crack team of private detectives whose normal case load includes searching for missing children. “They have been doing covert work on this and are following a number of leads,” she said.
* Have you seen Manon? Contact Caroline Yates at the Mayhew Animal Home on 020 8969 0178.