Crystalla’s dog helps in hunt for her

A MISSING woman’s pet dog joined family, friends and air, land and sea rescue teams to search for its owner.

Crystalla Dean, from Oban, was reported missing on Friday.

Yesterday, her dog Ripple searched the local Dunollie woodland alongside mountain rescue and coastguard teams.

It is believed that Ms Dean might have gone missing while out walking with Ripple in the woods and along a path known locally as The Witches.

The 52-year-old was last seen at her home in Longsdale Crescent around 8pm on Thursday.

A source at the search scene said: “One of the missing woman’s friends said they thought she had gone out for a walk with Ripple, one of her dogs, but the dog came home without her.

“They brought Ripple out to see if the dog could get the scent and it wanted to go up the back of Dunollie.

“The dog could be seen frantically searching the steep woodland, but there was no trace of the woman.

“It started getting stressed, though, so they had to put it back in the car.”

The missing woman is described as being around 5ft 1in tall, with a slim build and curly hair which is dyed blue. It is believed she may be wearing a red top, jeans and boots.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Crystalla has recently been dealing with some personal issues and her family just want to know she is safe and well.

“If anyone has seen Crystalla or has any information as to her whereabouts, please phone 101.”