A distressed dog owner has turned amateur detective and focused his attention on Norwich in a bid to track down his missing pet – offering a �2,000 reward for his safe return.

Tim Laing, 52, an accountant from Chelmsford, and his wife Irene were led to Norwich on the hunt for their pet after a sighting by a Norfolk dog walker on Mousehold Heath.

Mr Laing does not think their Doberman, called Bodie, ran away, but rather he that was stolen from the family's grounds.

He said: 'The scenario we are envisioning is that he was taken from us, and sold on. That probably means that a family have our dog, and they don't even realise it's stolen.'

The couple have offered a �2,000 reward for the 'bubbly, happy and bouncy Doberman dog' to be brought home.

Bodie went missing in November 2010 after being let out in the Laing family garden in Essex for a run-around.

Mr Laing said: 'Even though he was a rescue dog, he settled in so nicely, and out of all of our pack of five dogs, he was the happiest.'

Bodie was chipped, so as well as contacting vets in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex in the hope of a lead, Mr Laing has also set up a Facebook page and put a poster on the Lost Dog website.

Months have passed, but Bodie's owners will not give up hope. They have increased their reward from the original �1,000 to �2,000.

Mr Laing added: 'We are fighting against other people's negativity that we should just give up, but we know we have to think positive.'

The couple said they are grateful for any leads members of the public, like the one here in Norwich, can give them.

Mr Laing said: 'We just miss him so much. The worst is not knowing.'

Have you seen Bodie? Call Tim Laing on 07508 318901.

Do you have a story? Call reporter Rosa McMahon on 01603 772495 or email rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk