A Nairn man whose guide dog went missing in July has been given a fresh start with a new four legged friend.
Fraser Stevenson has been teamed up with Remy, a labrador retriever cross bitch, which has helped its new master get out and about again.
His previous dog Tess diasappeared on Wednesday, July 23 while exercising off lead near the River Nairn, and despite a few possible sightings, has never been traced.
Guide Dogs Scotland paired Mr Stevenson and one-year-old Remy in October and the two have been getting used to one another ever since.
Partially sighted Mr Stevenson said that the past few months have been “very challenging” without his guide dog, but said he was settling into life well with Remy.
He said: “I’ve been getting out much more again. I’ve been a three or four times to Inverness with Remy and that’s gone well.
“Without a dog I could go really as far as the shop nearby, I wasn’t very comfortable on my own. It’s a big relief to me.”
Fraser also said that he had been “apprehensive” about letting Remy roam off her lead to start with.
However, he has got more comfortable after a few weeks, although he hasn’t taken her back to the river where Tess disappeared.
Inverness based Guide Dogs trainer Mike Waites said that Mr Stevenson had been given “high priority” for being teamed with a new dog.
He said: “We look at what each person needs, the speed of the dog for them and how well they respond to different commands.
“It was obviously important for us that whatever dog we assigned to him would respond perfectly to commands and Remy is excellent at that.”
Guide Dogs have said they are still investigating Tess’s disappearance, though so far without success.
Terry Thorpe, mobility team manager, said: “We ask that anyone who sees a dog that they think could be Tess to take a picture and email it to Glasgow@guidedogs.org.uk.
“We are continuing to investigate possible sightings with staff, volunteers, and local agencies on the ground.
“We remain grateful for all the support we’re receiving in our efforts to try and find Tess.”