Movie star dog lost in snowstorm

Feb 15 2008 By Jasbir Authi

A MOVIE star dog which found fame at the Cannes film festival after being rescued from a shelter has gone missing in Birmingham.

Barkley, a three-year-old male foxhound, appeared as a gangster's pet in Veiled Existence, which enjoyed a star studded screening at the prestigious festival last May.

The mutt has also starred alongside TV presenter Gary Newbon and weather girl Emma Jesson in a short film called Strapped For Cash.

His owner, director David King, aged 42, was planning to shoot a feature length version of the film with Barkley, before he ran off during a walk through Calthorpe Park in Edgbaston 5pm on Febuary 1.

Mr King said: "There was a freak snowstorm, a car came past and bibbed his horn. Barkley got frightened and pulled from his lead.

"As the lead retracted back towards him he got frightened and ran into the snow storm. I looked for him for hours but to no avail."

Mr King and his girlfriend Abigail Prosser, a 28-year-old film and theatre designer, have been putting posters up in Selly Oak, Cannon Hill, Calthorpe and Kings Norton parks, police stations and dogs homes.

There have been a dozen sightings of the dog but no firm clues to his whereabouts.

Mr King has taken time off directing while he searches for Barkley and hopes he will trot home soon.

He said: "Barkley came to us as rescue dog from Birmingham Dogs Home, tired, lonely, hungry and with little confidence.

"In the time we have had him he has grown into a lovely dog who is loving, funny and full of character.

"I would like to get him back so we can continue building his confidence and keep him safe and loved."n Barkley was wearing a tag with his name and contact telephone number on at the time of his disappearance and is described as white with tanned patches.

Anyone who has spotted Barkley should contact Mr King on 07956 215 347.