Therapy dogs stolen from non-profit volunteers - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Two volunteers at a local, non-profit are in desperate need of help. Their therapy dogs were stolen while they were volunteering.

These dogs weren't just canine companions, they were medically prescribed pets. They help people deal with debilitating mental health issues.

Glen Morris' dog 'Spot' is more than just a pet.

"He helped me when I was going through depression, stressed out. That's all I have," said Morris.

Morris and his fellow Hilltop Promises volunteer Thomas Carter were at the center when their dogs were mysteriously abducted, leaving both men distraught.

"It upsets me very much that someone would steal an animal. It's like stealing a child. It's like kidnapping a child," said Carter.

Carter, an army veteran, used 'Fatty,' a long-haired Chihuahua to help him deal with anxiety and depression. Being part of his life was one of the few things that helped. Now that he is gone, he is not sure what he is going to do.

"He's very important to me and my mental health and I really need him," said Carter.

No one is sure who took the dogs or why they took him. Hilltop Promises executive director Carolann Pacer-Ramsey hopes the person who swiped the dogs understands how important they were to Carter and Morris.

"Their pets is what keeps them calm and keeps them from feeling depressed, feeling lonely," said Pacer-Ramsey.

Spot is solid white and he's got black spots. His ears are black, he got a black spot on his back, and he's got a black tail.

Fatty is a long-haired brown and black Chihuahua. He's more black on his back and he's brown below that.

Both men just want one thing - and they are willing to do whatever it takes to get them back.

"He's like my child and my family. And whoever has him, I wish and pray you could turn him back," said Morris.

The men promise that if you took the dogs or know who did, they just want them back safe, no questions asked.

You can leave a message at Hilltop Promises anonymously. Just call 804-519-8557.

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