DEVASTATED Clive and Emma Jones want their puppy Buster back after he was snatched.
Mr Jones had been enjoying a dog walk at Plump Hill, near Mitcheldean, when a man leapt out of a white van, grabbed the 13-week-old cocker spaniel and drove off with him.
Their three-year-old daughter Charlotte and five-year-old son Oliver are wondering what happened to their four-legged friend.
Mr Jones, from Mitcheldean, said: "We are so upset, we haven't been sleeping. It sounds silly and people will say 'he's just a dog' but he had become part of the family and we are very close to him.
"I couldn't believe what happened. I was walking along and he was ahead of me. Then I saw this van pull up, grab him, and then drive off."
Mrs Jones added: "Whoever has taken Buster probably doesn't realise the heartache they have caused for the family."
Buster was taken when they were on the walk at about 1pm.
The man who snatched the dog is described as being in his mid-40s and was wearing a dark fleece top. He had greying mousey coloured hair and was the passenger in a white short wheel base transit van.
Helen Szuluk, a Gloucestershire volunteer from dog-finding website DogLost.co.uk, said: "The family is absolutely devastated. It's such a shame because they are nice people.
"Three or four years ago we had a whole spate of dog thefts in the county and my concern is that this could happen again."
In 2008, posters were put up across the Forest to try to tackle soaring levels of pet thefts.
More than 100 dogs and cats had were stolen in the first six months of the year. The problem reared its head again in 2009, with reports that some pets were being held for ransom.
Police spokesman Chris Jackson said: "As far as we're aware this is an isolated incident but it is very concerning."
If you can help trace Buster call police 101, quoting incident 214 of November 19.
Anyone who is able to reunite Buster should call the family on 01594 541 218.
