A seriously ill 11-year-old girl is appealing for the public’s help ­after thieves stole her puppy from the family garden.

Islington Gazette: Sharnae St JohnSharnae St John (Image: Archant)

Police are investigating the disappearance of the 10-month-old teacup Chihuahua, which vanished from Sharnae St John’s garden in Pentonville Road, Islington, on August 6 while she was at home.

Teacup Chihuahuas can fetch hundreds of pounds on the black market.

Sharnae said: “I feel so sad ­because I got him as a Christmas present last year.

“I have a serious medical condition which requires me spending time in hospital.

“It was stressful at times but knowing my puppy was there was a great comfort.”

Sharnae’s condition affects her balance which means she spends much of her time lying down.

She added: “Some days I can’t leave my house due to my painful condition and my puppy would keep me company lying on the sofa. It has left a big hole in my life. Not having the puppy has also affected my confidence ­because I don’t have the responsibility of taking care of him.”

Sharnae’s mother, Rebecca Whelan, said police had asked the family not to name the dog so it did not give the thief an advantage.

She said: “Sharnae used to have the routine of taking care of the dog but now she really finds it a struggle.

“She has had bad dreams and is calling his name in her sleep.”

Sharnae has written an open letter, appealing directly to the thieves who stole the dog. She said: “Please get in touch, I really miss him.

“It’s scary to know that somebody came into my garden and took him and I feel very sad to think there are cruel, heartless people who do things like this. I keep praying someone with a kind heart knows where my dog is and gets in touch so he can come home.

“His dog bowl still has treats waiting for him because I can’t bear to throw them away, he is not just a pet, he is part of the family.”

Police are asking people to call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.