NEDERLAND, Texas — A Nederland family has been combing the neighborhood around Luling Avenue to find their missing service dog.
The family thinks the dog, named Josie, may have been stolen because it was inside a fenced in yard before her owner Tristie Burge went inside to cook dinner. She went back outside 10 minutes later and Josie was nowhere in sight.
"We just want her home and we are begging at this point," said Burge.
Family and neighbors searched for 4 to 5 hours on Father's Day looking for Josie.
Burge says they have had issues with random people walking through their yard because a wooden fence by Briarcliff Apartments is down.
"We just want her home, we don't know if she was picked up and they maybe just thought they could keep her, or was she stolen, we don't care," said Burge.
Josie is in training to become a service dog for Burge's son, Wyatt.
You may recognize Wyatt from stories we have done in the past. Wyatt suffers from multiple health issues.
"She has done her job completely as far as that goes. She has been supportive and watches out for him," said Burge.
According to Burge, Josie was diagnosed with parvo at the beginning of June.
Her veterinarian did not expect her to survive but Josie did. It's something similar to what doctor's told Burge about her son, Wyatt.
"Her survival wasn't likely but she beat the odds, just like Wyatt. Just like he did," said Burge.
Nederland Police and Animal Services have been called.
Josie is micro-chipped.
The family is offering a $300 cash reward to anyone who brings Josie home.
"Just call us if you know where she is.That's it. No one will be in trouble, nothing like that. We need to get her back and get her to the vet right away," said Burge.
If you have any information that will help get Josie home call these numbers: 409-791-9711, 409-767-1955 or 409-951-0037.