SYLVANIA, GA (WTOC) -
Pictures are all Bayne Sommers has right now when it comes to Toby, her Jack Russell Terrier. Toby disappeared from her yard Sunday.
"I stepped inside long enough to wash a couple of dishes, change clothes, and brush my hair. I came outside and my puppy is gone. Immediately my heart just sank and we've been looking for him ever since," she explained. "Toby is like my child. I don't have any children, just nephews. Toby is the child I don't have."
Sheriff Mike Kile said his deputies and the county's animal control office have seen eight missing dog reports in two weeks. Most of them came from areas near Newington and Highway 21.
Thieves either sell the dogs or breed them to make more money. Kathy Dixon, president of the local animal rescue, said owners can take precautions.
"If your dog has a microchip installed, you can absolutely prove the animal is yours," said Dixon of Friends of Screven County Animals. " Also, if you have your dog spayed or neutered, they're less likely to ramble far from home."
For now, all Bayne can do is hope.
"These are not just pets, not just animals. These are family members. These are our children," she said tearfully.
Anyone with information about the missing dogs is asked to call the Screven County Sheriff's Office at 912.564.2013.
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