Holly was a rescued stray

David and Nicola Hunt's five-year-old dog Holly escaped from kennels in Cornwall while the couple were on their honeymoon in the Far East 13 months ago.

The couple lived in Manchester, where they got Holly from the Manchester Dogs' Home, and had put the mongrel bitch in the Cornwall kennels because they were near Mrs Hunt's parents' home in Liskeard.

The couple were going to relocate to Cornwall, but brought the plans forward by two years after months of weekend trips.

"We were driving down every weekend to search," said Mr Hunt.

"After six months we had to decide to either give up looking or move to Cornwall."

300 searchers

So Mr Hunt sold his printing firm, his wife gave up her well-paid marketing job, and they moved.

Mr Hunt told BBC News Online up to 300 people were involved in the search, including Caradon council and the RSPCA.

He said Holly had been sighted nearly every day and on two occasions he has come very close to catching her.

"We have even laid bait laced with tranquilisers, but we haven't been able to catch her," he said.

The dog has become so nervous that she runs away as soon as anyone tries to approach her. She has also shed weight.

If you have seen Holly, contact 01579 341360.