Simon Cowell is a doting dad and well-known animal lover, so perhaps it’s no surprise the story of a young boy’s bid to find his missing dog caught the music mogul’s attention.
The X Factor boss stunned the family of little Edward Latter, three, by offering an incredible £10,000 to help them find lost puppy Morse.
While Simon, 58, made the gesture anonymously, his generosity came to light when Edward’s father shared their story with Daily Mail.
Edward’s dad Richard said: “‘It’s unbelievable. It is really, really, generous.
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“I can’t believe the generosity of it. I am forever in his debt and I literally had tears rolling down my face.
“We’re so touched by all the support from everyone and this offer has just helped us smile again during what has been a very tough week.”
Edward’s story first came to the public attention three days ago, when he asked to write a letter to Santa requesting nothing for Christmas but his beloved puppy home.
His letter read: “Dear Father Christmas, I just want one present for Christmas this year, my dog Morse back. I’ve been a very good boy all year. Thank you, Edward.”
Morse, a nine-month-old black and brown border terrier, escaped from the family home in Marden, Kent on 13 December and was snatched from the street on Pattenden Lane.
A witness told the family she’d seen Morse being bundled into a blue pick-up truck.
Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Kent Police, or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Simon’s reward money will paid out for information leading directly to the return of Morse.
The multi-millionaire has three dogs of his own, Yorkshire terriers Freddie, Squiddly and Diddly, who are frequently seen travelling the world with their owner.
They’ve also popped up on X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent in the past.
Simon, who is dad to son Eric, three, has often spoken out about his love for animals – and how he hates seeing animals misused or abused in any way.
Just this month he joined Good Morning Britain and Humane Society International for a campaign to highlight the plight of dogs in South Korea who are used as human food.
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“It’s like eating your friend,” he said.
“It’s the fact you’re eating such a kind, helpless, sweet animal. It is strength, in my opinion, to say we are not going to do it.
“If [people] could come together now, maybe through social media, maybe through a different generation who just say ‘no’, enough people will listen.”