Chihuahua puppy stolen from dog ranch

WELLINGTON, Fla. (WSVN) -- A canine caper has taken place in South Florida. A dog is gone and officials said time is of the essence to get her back.

Laurie Simmons of the Big Dog Ranch in Wellington is shocked someone swiped a puppy right from under her nose. "We're begging for the safe return of this puppy," said Simmons. "We had so many volunteers and adopters and people bringing gifts for the dogs yesterday, we're just, we can't believe somebody would steal one of our puppies."

The white and tan Chihuahua is only five and a half weeks old.

Simmons said the puppy, along with the rest of this litter was rescued from Miami.

Workers noticed the puppy missing sometime Monday afternoon. "The puppies were fed at 12:45," said Simmons, "and the staff member went back in at 1:15 to put the puppies out for their afternoon playtime, and the puppy was just gone."

Simmons said the survival of this puppy lies in the hands of the person who stole it.

The puppy has a hernia, and, like the rest of the brothers and sisters, if not treated, could die. "It's urgent," said Simmons. "I mean, that hernia could burst at any time. The puppy was scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning."

Simmons said she's heartbroken that someone would think to do this during the holidays. But she's willing to turn the other cheek and forgive the Grinch if they will bring the dog back. She's even offered a reward. "No questions asked," she said. "$2,000, please bring our puppy back to Big Dog Ranch."

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