SAN ANTONIO – Gus Prieto was the first to see the shattered glass by the back door when he and his wife returned to their Northwest side home.
“He got quiet, and he started yelling, ‘Teddy, Teddy!’” said Prieto’s wife, Anna Prieto. “I was like, ‘What? What happened?’”
Their female, 7-year-old miniature poodle, Teddy Pooh Bear, was not in the house, not in the backyard and nowhere to be found.
She said Teddy wasn’t in the bedroom, a likely hiding spot for the timid poodle they've had since she was a puppy.
“It was a horrible feeling. I felt like a part of my spirit was gone,” Anna Prieto said.
Anna Prieto said the thieves had locked the back door behind them so they doubt she escaped.
Also gone was jewelry including the Prietos' wedding bands, just as they were about to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in May.
She said their friends and family often referred to them as a family, Gus, Anna and Teddy, never just Gus and Anna.
With no children of their own, Prieto said Teddy had become their only child that went with them everywhere, even to church.
She said the children who would play with Teddy after the service, even made colorful cards of support.
Anna Prieto read the message on one of them, “Hope you find your dog. Don’t give up.”
She said that’s what they’re trying to do, praying that someone will recognize Teddy, especially as families gather for Easter.
“We’re praying for a miracle. We’re believing that God is listening to our prayers and so many others,” Anna Prieto said.
Her husband Gus said they just want Teddy back, no questions asked.
“In return, we’re willing to even give you something for your trouble,” he said.
His wife had a message for whoever has Teddy, “I just pray that you find it in your heart to return her back to where she belongs.”