NORFOLK, Va. - A year ago, Jennifer Johnson and her three children decided they may be interested in fostering a dog.
"We went to the Norfolk SPCA, and they said they had the perfect dog for us... perfect with children," said Johnson.
The dog happened to be brought into the shelter with a broken leg on Thanksgiving Day 2018, so they decided they'd name the blue-nosed pit bull, "Turkey."
"It was love at first sight. He loved everyone and everything," explained Johnson.
For a year, Turkey would go on trips, enjoy long walks and capture the hearts of the family and their children.
"We are not going to be whole until he is here. We opened our hearts to him, he opened our hearts to us," said Johnson.
On Sunday, November 17, Turkey disappeared. Johnson said she was working when she went to check Turkey at their home near Ballentine Boulevard and Tait Terrace in Norfolk.
"It was really windy that day. I came in and the back door had blown up. I looked around; he wasn't there, but [I] figured he would be in the fenced-in backyard," said Johnson.
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But he wasn't - which was strange as the gate has a slide bolt lock.
"We searched for hours. Now I think that someone found themselves a wonderful dog and they are holding on to him," said Johnson.
The family is desperate to find him before the holiday.
"Our hearts are broken. My children ask about him every day," said Johnson.
Her family is now offering a $1,000 reward for Turkey, no questions asked. The Norfolk SPCA is also offering an undisclosed amount.
If you have seen Turkey or have information about him, you are urged to call the Norfolk SPCA at (757) 622-3319.
