A YOUNG autistic boy has made a desperate plea for help in finding his beloved pet dog he calls “my best pal”.

Red, a German shepherd, was bought by Kath Miller and Brian Howard as a guard dog for their disabled riding school, Miller’s Nook in Westhoughton, after it was targeted by burglars several times.

Along with security duties, the 12-month-old dog became a constant companion for Ms Miller’s grandson, Jimmy, aged 10.

The youngster, who has autism, epilepsy and cerebral palsy, lives with the couple.

Ms Miller, aged 50, said: “Jimmy is absolutely devastated because he absolutely adored Red, and vice versa.

“Autistic children tend to fall for one thing, and for Jimmy it was Red.

“Jimmy doesn’t communicate very well, but that didn’t make a difference with Red — they were inseparable.

“The dog made a massive difference to him and helped to bring him out of himself a bit, which was wonderful.”

In April, thieves ransacked the school in Lostock Lane, stealing £10,000 worth of equipment, and it has been subject to other burglaries.

But in June, Ms Miller bought Red from a specialist breeder as a trained guard dog to protect the school in Lostock Lane, from burglars.

While Red was protective of the farm and family, he quickly bonded with Jimmy. But on Monday, November 3, neighbours were celebrating Bonfire Night and set off fireworks, which spooked the young dog and he ran off. He has not been since.

Ms Miller said: “We chased after him straight away, but we couldn’t find him anywhere.

“I’ve reported it to the Highways Agency, the police and all the dogs homes, but no-one has come across him, so I don’t think he can have been run over.

“Jimmy has been getting us to go knocking on doors every night to ask if anyone’s has seen him, but we’ve had no luck.

“There has not been a day or night Jimmy’s not been fretting about him.”

If anyone finds Red, they should contact Ms Miller, at the riding school, on 01942 816722.