please be kind-very upset first time poster-trival but sad....

This reminds me of a kind MNer a few years ago who sent me a substitute Monkey as DD was attatched to one and they no longer made them. I was very grateful. x

Hello, balletpump (love your name by the way) - I live near an airport. Would your DS like a postcard from there while Doggie is "in transit"? If you would, PM me if you're not too busy.

By the way, what is Doggie's name - does he have one? (apologies if you posted already and I missed it). I absolutely think he cannot possibly be in a bin - he's probably in some communal play area because people don't generally bin soft toys, no matter how old they are. Yes, you absolutely must not go searching with DS present. It would be traumatic for him. If you can't go yourself, you could get a neighbour or friend who is going there to take some flyers (with Doggie's Flickr photo on it) to have a little search and ask around - maybe even a fresh pair of eyes might help.

Keeping my fingers crossed for him to turn up, no matter how late in the day. Actually, when I was little I had a soft toy I loved a lot too, and would have been devastated if he got lost. We all remember a bit of that. It's not about spoiling any child, it's about our memories and sense of security and feeling loved and cosy. Hugs for you and DS (don't care what other MNers think!).

Also happy to postcard from west yorks!!!

Just seen this, my mum has a few dogs like that, going there to check tomorrow! Hope ebay pays off though!

Auction sniper to ensure you get him on ebay?

I actually cried a bit reading the post about getting a replacement from Germany by pretending to be a toy shop. The things we do for our kids eh, I could see myself flying to Germany if my DD was that upset!

We've had a few near misses with her fave knitted dolly (made by great nan's elderly neighbour so no chance of replacement) but luckily have found her each time due to kind people putting her aside. Now she has a long piece of ribbon around her neck so that she can be tied to the pushchair or a buttonhole etc. If she ever went missing I would be gutted and I remember that awful panic feeling you get in your stomach very clearly.

I really hope that you manage to get the original back, it would be such a lovely end to the story. Do keep us all posted

Oh BP, I've only just seen this thread.

I'm so sorry that you've all had to go through such an ordeal.

We've been lucky in that DS1 never got really attached to a toy, and ds2 has a "home bear" and a "nursery bear" and the 2 both provide comfort. I can only imagine how you, and paticularly your ds, are feeling.

Whatever tactic you decide to employ will be right for you all. I live in sunny Barry (South Wales) so if you'd like a postcard winging its way from here, just PM me.

Fingers crossed that your ds gets through this without too much further upset.

Ahh, I can imagine how you all felt. Many times we thought our DS's beloved blanket was lost and I used to feel sick until it was found. We were lucky it never got totally lost, just occasionally left behind at grandma's.

I'll happily send your DS a postcard. We're in London, am sure he'd love to hear about how his doggie is enjoying visiting Buckingham Palace etc.

Dogger!

Aw what a lovely thread. Hope the original turns up or a passable stand in appears.

It also reminded me that I saw a well loved dog/sheep/teddy at the bus stop today so if anyone else has lost a cuddly friend he may well still be waiting at the bus stop near McDonald Road library off Leith Walk.

......and big hugs xx

Tears in my eyes, really sympathise, good luck xx

Oh what a sad but touching story. He's a very loved doggie. All cuddly toys should be that well loved. I hope he reappears in your son's life even if he's looking much younger and well groomed.

Yes I'm doing a fair bit of gulping here too [hblush].

Really glad that you may stay with MN balletpump and maybe the odd post from Mr BP too!

So hope that the little fella's puppy turns up.

xx

Oh, the postcards are going to be amazing!

(not seen a thing, Hungrydragon. And I'm not really crying, just been chopping some onions, honest guv!)

Really glad you're thinking of sticking around . Hope that daft person now realises he's not done the Blackpool Tourist Board any favours now Mnetters know how they treat well loved inanimate friends!

AIBU's still fun to lurk in for a snigger.

None of you saw nuffin, ok?

I'm in with a postcard from the Devon seaside if you need one

I think your postcard from London might be slightly quicker than mine from Austria, Katie.

I could actually bring mine over with me to London tomorrow and post it there for added speed, but I'll post it with an Austrian stamp here for added authenticity.

Oooh, that was cruel, to suggest that he would be in a bin. Naughty Blackpool person.

Course he won't be in a bin. He is currently half way to Geneva, and thinking of stopping off in London on the way. He has heard that they have pretty good choc in Geneva and thinks he could like a place that has both choc AND a lake to swim in. Although he is not sure about swimming at this time of year, it may be too cold.

Oh do stay on MN! It's a right pain in the arse at times (avoid AIBU until very seasoned!!!) but most everyone here is lovely.

PM me your address and doggy's name and I will send a postcard from the West Coast of Canada on Monday. My mum is currently here and returning to Toronto on Tuesday, if you like we can pretend doggy has worked his way across the Rockies and is heading east toward home :o

Mine will be coming from Richmond/London by first class today or tomorrow.

So expect it just after the one from Austria and just before one from Oz

A postcard will be winging its way from Austria tomorrow. Really hope you find him soon - or at least a very similar looking "cousin".

Its a shame we can't have soft toys tagged in the same way we tag pets, so that they can be traced if found.