Wyoming, Mich. (WZZM) -- A Wyoming family is heartbroken after a strange man came to their home and stole their dog right from under them. It happened Thursday on the 2500 block of Byron Center and the family is looking for the public's help catching the dognapper.
"I never thought something like this could happen. I guess I am too trusting, "said Trisha Storey.
Thursday afternoon, shortly after 4:00pm, Storey's 10-year-old daughter, Kelsey, was in front of the house with her brother Kyle and the newest addition to the family, a 12-week-old full-bred English bull dog named Sasha the family had only had for about a month.
"The next thing I know my neighbor was running in my front door and said I think somebody just stole your dog and I am like what are you talking about," said Storey. "I throw on my shoes and run around the corner and my kids are down at the end of Waldron running. Kyle doesn't even have his shoes on at this point. They are just screaming and crying and I am like what is going on."
The kids say the were playing with the dog when a strange man approached her and started asking a bunch of questions like if they wanted to sell Sasha or if the dog could breed pups.
Kelsey says the man seemed friendly at first, but then started to make her nervous.
"I told Kyle to go get my mom because I was getting scared because he kept asking me if I wanted to sell it," Kelsey said. "Then he just grabbed it out my hands and ran around the corner into a van."
The kids described the van as "a big white conversion van of some sort with a green stripe" and say there were 5 other adults and one child inside.
Storey has been putting up posters all over her Wyoming community hoping someone knows who stole the family dog right out of her young daughter's arms.
"Yes all over, from Clyde Park to Grandville to Chicago Drive, Porter, Burton, 28th Street," she said. "All the vets have pictures and flyers. I've been to pet stores."
She says they are trying to remain optimistic about getting the dog back, but says the incident is taking a toll on the entire family.
"I'm angry and very sad. It was a huge investment for one financially. And now that she is here we love her and adore her and she is so cute," she said holding back tears. I have been potty training her. I praise her and she waddles up to you, you know. That is what I see in my head when I'm thinking of her."
She says the theft she's learned of other dognappings nearby and hopes someone knows something that will help police catch whoever is responsible.
"I just want her to come home. I just want her to come home," pleaded Storey.
The family describes Sasha as a 20 pound brindle English bull dog with a white face and blue eyes. They are offering a reward for her return no questions asked.
If you have information you are asked to call Trisha at 616-366-5600 or Jesse at 616-366-5405 or the Wyoming Police Department.
The family has also posted an ad on Craigslist where you can leave information anonymously. http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/laf/1632427196.html
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