Police search for bike-riding dog thief

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A little Yorkie named Monster has been missing since Wednesday. Now the owner and police are asking the public for help.

"I feel like there's a big rock at the bottom of my stomach," said Athina Kafouros, "and a knife has been jabbed into my heart."

Just a day after Athina shot a video of her puppy, someone stole the 5-month-old Teacup Yorkie right off a chair at her parent's Greek restaurant off of Coral Way. "I almost felt violated," said Kafouros, "coz someone came and grabbed him from me."

Monster went everywhere with Kafouros in a pink carrier. Surveillance video from Mykonos Restaurant showed one guy riding by on a bicycle peering in at the pink carrier and just seconds later, a second suspect grabbed the dog carrier and rode off. "It's the worst thing I've ever seen," said Kafouros.

It all happened at around 4:15 p.m. last Wednesday, March 13. The suspect sped off with Monster inside his pink Juicy Couture carrier.

Until then, the little puppy spent every day by Athina's side, chasing toys and keeping her company at the restaurant while she worked. "I've always wanted a Yorkie since I was little," said Kafouros. "I used to beg my parents for one and I finally got him for Christmas. He ended up being the most amazing dog."

Athina is heartbroken. "I just want my dog back," said Kafouros. "I don't care who has him or who took him."

Athina said she was sitting a table with Monster having dinner at Mykonos when she stepped inside to ring up a customer. She said it was a matter of minutes for Monster to be gone.

Athina is offering a $1,000 reward for her precious Monster.

If you have any information on the the stolen Yorkie, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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