A Dartford family is heartbroken after the dog they rescued from a “rotten life” went missing over a week ago.

Gizmo, a Jack Russel Terrier Shiatzu cross, escaped through a gap in the fence and into Hesketh Park in Dartford last Tuesday, July 15.

In May this year his owner Karl Andre rescued the two-year-old from a life chained up outside a kennel.

He told News Shopper: “He has had such a rotten life, it’s unbelievable.

“We had just got him to a place where he was happy, content, socialising with the other animals.

“For this to happen, it’s heartbreaking.”

Mr Andre’s seven-year-old daughter Scarlett had grown attached to the pint-sized canine and his other dog Benson, a Jack Russell, is lost without his companion.

“My little girl absolutely loves him,” he said. “She’s just devastated.”

News Shopper: Stolen Dog

MISSING: Gizmo was rescued earlier this year.

When Gizmo arrived at his new home he struggled to understand toilet training, having spent most of his time sleeping on a concrete floor outside.

Mr Andre described him as a loving, but hapless dog, who needs one-on-one attention to build his confidence.

He said: “My other fear is if someone’s got him and they realise he isn’t toilet trained they’re going to beat him and get cross at him.

“The moment he has done something wrong his tail goes between his legs, he’s absolutely terrified.”

After he escaped at around 3.30pm, friends and family searched the park until night time, but there was no sign of Gizmo.

Now they’re appealing for any information which could bring Gizmo back.

Mr Andre said he has been overwhelmed by the support online, after his appeal was shared on social media more than 1,000 times.

But after more than a week with no success, he fears Gizmo has been stolen.

“I feel responsible people, who would have taken him in because they were worried about him, would have reported it," he said.

Anyone with information on Gizmo’s whereabouts is urged to get in touch via the Dog Lost website or Facebook.