The search for Wolfie goes on - rescuers getting closer

Wolfie, a nervous lurcher who bolted from his new home just 36 hours after being brought over from Greece, has been spotted several times a day since the Journal featured his heartrending plight.

But no one has managed to catch the terrified hound, and a dog trainer from Hale has told the Journal the best methods to use to catch him.

Sue Garner of Hale Dog Training said: "Very often catching a dog like Wolfie is following a chain of events. You may make a decision using partial information but very often you might take a different approach with more information.

"Wolfie may approach for food if he is familiar with a person but it is important that he doesn't feel intimidated by strangers.

"The best method would be to try and entice him into an enclosed space possibly using food."

She added: "A case like this is difficult as it is a host of unknowns."

Owners Sue and Grahame Stanford said they are not giving up hope after Wolfie was spotted dozens of times - including once rummaging in a bin - and sightings have escalated in recent days.

Sue said: "We are pleased that Wolfie is getting closer to people and built up areas and not hiding deep in the Forest.

"We are certainly not giving up hope and believe we are closer to catching him."

She added: " Two people out with their dogs on Sunday reported that Wolfie had followed them and began to play with their dogs.

"It is more likely that Wolfie will come to other dogs rather than people."

Sue and Grahame were distraught after Greek rescue dog Wolfie escaped from their Linwood home on Bank Holiday Monday.

Dog walkers and horse riders have been out in force scouring the open land for the nervous dog.

Out in Linford Geraldine Bartlett, Betty Rayment and Kierstin Hall were out with their dogs on Friday.

Kierstin said: "I walk my dogs twice a day and am always keeping look out for him."

If anyone sees him ring Sue and Grahame on 01425 474796 or 07801 098485.