A HEARTBROKEN Dudley family have called off the search for their missing rescue dog Billy after finding out he had been hit by a car.

Owners Lisa and Craig Perry were devastated to find that Billy the blue whippet had escaped through the back door of their Bluebell Road home just after 3pm on Thursday (November 12).

They had rescued the two-year-old just five days before after spotting him on a ‘free to good home’ website and started a frantic search for their new pooch as he was very timid as a result of previous abuse.

But their search came to a sad end, as Billy, who had numerous scars on his body, a piece missing from his left ear and hardly any hair on his slim body due to stress and mistreatment, was found dead by street cleaners on Friday (November 13).

Mr and Mrs Perry, who were informed yesterday (Tuesday), said: “Billy was only with us a short while, but he made a huge impact on all our lives.

“He was such a loving, fun character and will be very sadly missed.

“Thanks to all who shared, helped and supported us through this ordeal.

“We are forever grateful to you all.”