Family dog goes missing in Durham, woman demands ransom
DURHAM (WTVD) -- A Durham family is desperately searching for their missing dog and the woman who claims she has the beloved pet.
The fun-loving, playful Maltese poodle mix affectionately known as "Bella" went missing last Wednesday. Her owner was unloading groceries when she wandered away from the yard.
She made it to the intersection of Cornwallis and Pickett Road.
"Several cars stopped when she tried to cross the road and the person who was closest to the dog scooped it up and then tried to put it in her car," explained Bella's owner Caroline Wilgen.
The next day Bella's family received a cryptic phone call from a woman claiming she had found the dog's contact information on her collar.
"She said she had the dog and asked about money and if we had a reward," recalled Wilgen. "I said yes, but we hadn't decided how much and she hung up."
Bella's owners say while the caller demanded a ransom of sorts, she didn't give them a chance to offer a specific amount.
"I think she's desperate to make money for whatever reason and it's an adorable dog. She thought she could make some money," Wilgen added.
That was days ago and they have not heard from her since. Their greatest fear is Bella will be sold or worse--left wandering outdoors.
Bella's family is desperate to find her. They say the beloved pet has had a tough time in recent years.
"She was dumped at a shelter in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and left there," Wilgen explained. "She was completely matted and her teeth were rotted."
Wilgen drove seven hours to rescue Bella. That was nearly two years ago. Until last Wednesday, Bella has been at home with her adopted family in Durham. Now the lovable pet they rescued needs saving once again.
"She's already been through a lot so if we could bring her home, that'd be great."
Bella's family is offering a reward for her return. Read more about it on her owner's blog: http://cscottholmes.blogspot.com
