'Help me find my son's toy' - Penarth mum's emotional plea (From Penarth Times)

'Help me find my son's toy' - Penarth mum's emotional plea

11:41am Friday 1st February 2013 in News

AN EMOTIONAL plea has been made by a Penarth mum who donated a large toy dog to a local charity shop in a post-Christmas clear-out - not realising how important it was to her young son.

Zoe Jeffries said son Max was "inconsolable" when he realised the black-and-white "dalmation-like" spotty-dog had gone from the shelf in his room.

Given to him by his grandparents some years ago, Zoe said Max had not really played with the toy, so she thought nothing of giving it to the Red Cross shop on Stanwell Road - until the Albert Primary pupil came downstairs one night sobbing.

"Max is not a dramatic child and he rarely cries, so when he could barely speak for tears I thought something horrendous had happened," said Zoe.

"I obviously underestimated his attachment to the dog - big time.

"He associates it with his grandparents, and I feel awful."

Zoe, who took the stuffed animal to the charity shop along with other items in early January, said she had contacted the shop but was told it had already been sold.

She is hoping the person who bought it might find it in their hearts to return it to six-year-old Max.

"I really hope the appeal works," she added.

"Max is so upset about it."

To get in touch with Zoe call 07870 626318 or email zoe@discotots.com