TRIBUTES have been paid now that the faithful dog of tragic “murdered” Emma Faulds has died.

The adorable West Highland Terrier, Maverick, was very special to the 39-year-old Ayrshire care worker.

Emma got the dog for her 30th birthday and they were inseparable.

Maverick even led her coffin from the church in the arms of a weeping family friend.

Emma’s “wee boy” ‘who she would never leave behind’ sported a blue bow tie in a nod to the family’s request for mourners to wear bright colours.

Hundreds of family members and friends lined the street outside of New Laigh Kirk in Kilmarnock to say farewell to the support worker in July.

Emma vanished on April 28 after leaving her treasured pup and “best friend” alone at home.

Mauchline pet nanny and dog walking service, Mary Puppins, said: “We have a sad heart in letting you know that wee Maverick Faulds passed over the Rainbow Bridge.

“With his mum, Emma again.”

The pooch was even mentioned in Emma’s funeral service by Reverend Cameron who described her love for him as if he was her child.

He said: “He was always riding shotgun, whether there were passengers or not. He was spoilt rotten. He’s just outside if anyone would like to say hello, just like Emma did when she would run into other dog walkers. She never spoke directly to the person, always to the dog. Emma and Maverick spent every day of their lives together unless she was on her holidays, and when Emma was on holiday he would stay with his gran.”