DALLAS — Panic set in as Paul Thomas walked in.
"I cried," he remembered. "I screamed. Just wondered why somebody would have done that."
Burglars used a screwdriver to pry open his sliding glass door on October 29. Inside, they stole the flat screen TV, video games, his wife's jewelry — more than $7,000 worth of belongings in all.
Thieves also took something else insurance doesn't cover: The family's one-year-old miniature Schnauzer named Gimli.
"He was such a bright spot," said Cynthia Thomas. "We live far from our family and he is family to us — a source of joy and happiness in our lives."
The burglars not only took Gimli, but also made off with his crate and even the leashes.
One of the Thomases' neighbors saw two men walking out with the television and the dog crate.
The neighbor, realizing it was unusual, jotted down the license plate and make of the car. It's a newer dark blue or black Chevrolet four-door sedan, maybe a Cobalt, the Thomases said, with Louisana license plate SCS-778.
The American Kennel Club says pet thefts have risen three years in a row. Some speculate the recession has driven it. Thieves either keep the purebreds or give them as gifts.
In some cases, they have held the pets for ransom.
"I could care less about my stuff," Paul said, "I just want my dog back."
He and his wife have posted flyers offering a $500 reward.
Cynthia checks several Web sites daily which list found pets. They have even placed a wanted ad on craigslist.
The Thomases have improved security in their one-bedroom apartment and purchased new belongings.
But they can't replace Gimli, the only thing they really valued.
The Thomases are offering a reward for the safe return of Gimli. Anyone with information is asked to contact them at cynthiathomas05@gmail.com or vtpaul.thomas@gmail.com.
E-mail jwhitely@wfaa.com
