The body of a pet dog has been found after it was swept over a waterfall while out on a walk.
A mass search was launched in Fort William, in the Scottish Highlands, after Angus, the English Springer Spaniel, was washed down river in August.
But owner Andrew Curran, 31, and his partner Jordan Reynaud, 26, were left heartbroken after their worst fears were confirmed on Monday.
A volunteer group of friends, tourists and locals had all joined the effort to find Angus before he was found in a nearby river, reports the Daily Record.
The group had already scoured the area where the dog was eventually found, leading them to believe his body may have been stuck and recently forced free.
(Image: dailyrecord WS)
Andrew, a former gamekeeper, said: “We are heartbroken.
“It is with the saddest and heaviest of hearts that I have to give the sad news that Angus has been found.
“He was spotted today at approximately 1400hrs by a kind man at a section of the river that had been checked many times before but with the current levels of water he may have been stuck somewhere and forced free today.”
(Image: dailyrecord WS)
The couple, from Stirling, had been visiting Jordan’s parents for his 26th birthday and decided to bring Angus with them for the trip.
One-year-old pup Angus had been on a walk with Jordan’s dad around the Lower Falls below Steall Waterfall.
The dog had been playing in the water when the current dragged him downstream and over the waterfall.
Andrew added: “I want to give the utmost thanks to every single kind hearted soul who has given their time, support, donations and help in the search for Angus.
“I would particularly like to mention Helen, Davie, Penny, Kenny, Colin, the Lochaber athletics club, Glen Nevis Estate staff, John Muir Rangers, Drone SAR for lost Dogs, the Scottish springer spaniels group, Nevis radio, cyclists, kayakers, dog walkers, tourists, family and friends.
“The donations have been phenomenal to which Jordan and I have decided that we will donate them to Drone SAR for lost Dogs and the Lochaber Mountain Rescue.
“We are overwhelmed by the support and love we have been shown.”