'We just want him back': Family pleads for safe return of dog stolen outside Toronto store
The owners of a 12-year-old Chihuahua mix are asking for help locating their pet that was stolen outside a Toronto store Wednesday morning.
Monica Furman told CP24 that she tied up her dog named Spencer outside a Dollarama store in the area of Dundas Street West and Dovercourt Road around 10 a.m. before going inside to shop with her two-year-old daughter.
"I came out about five, ten minutes later, and my dog was gone," Furman said.
"I don't know the motivation was behind taking him. We just want him back."
On Wednesday evening, Toronto police released an image of the man who they believe took Spencer.
He is described as in his early 30s, unshaven with a medium build.
Police are looking for this man who allegedly stole a dog while it was tied up outside a store. (Toronto Police Service)
Police said he was wearing a dark-coloured sweater with the word "Ecko" on the chest, dark-coloured sweatpants, and a black baseball cap with a white decal. He was carrying a black duffel bag.
The dog is described as brown and tan in colour and weighs 27 pounds. He was wearing a black leash with blue paw prints.
"It's a crime of opportunity. And oftentimes, people seize that moment where this pet is left unattended to make good their escape with the animal," Const. Alex Li said.
"As a pet owner, I can understand that it's devastating to them and anyone that's a pet owner."
Furman and her partner Robin Ellwood got Spencer from a shelter more than a decade ago. Elwood described the dog as irreplaceable and "one of a kind."
"He's never been away from us one day in his life," he said. "The bottom line is his part of our family. He's a family member. We need him more than anything."
While Furman regrets leaving Spencer outside, she said the man should have not taken her dog.
"I don't think it's right," she said. "He shouldn't have done that."
Their two children are devastated, the couple said, adding that their five-year-old son cried when he learned about what happened to their pet.
"When he came home from school -- tears in his eyes. He's just as devastated as we are. He's lost his best friend," Ellwood said.
They are appealing to the man who took Spencer to "have it in your heart to return him safe and sound."
Ellwood added, "Drop the dog off. Do what's right. You don't have any business having this dog. He needs us to take care of him. He needs his family, and we need him."
Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-1400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.