Purebred pups and designer dogs are all the rage these days. But if you aren't careful your prized pooch could get "dog-napped."
For five days, Faye Adcox prayed for the moment she'd be reunited with her prize-winning corgis, Daddy Warbucks and Sammy. They were stolen from her locked truck shortly after a New Jersey dog show.
Faye Adcox, dogs were stolen
"These are not just pets, they are my family."
While the Adcox are now reunited, owners are increasingly worried about a dramatic rise in dognappings -- especially thefts of more valuable purebreds, like Pomeranians and Maltese.
Lisa Peterson, American Kennel Club
"They're not like a piece of jewelry that a criminal can just pawn somewhere. These dogs need care when they're stolen."
Security cameras caught two men forcing their way into a breeder's home in Los Angeles last year. One man pointed his gun at terrified family members, while the other struggled to round up four purebred Yorkshire terrier puppies -- worth $2,000 each.
The American Kennel Club says the thefts are happening nationwide, everywhere from pet stores to parked cars.
Authorities say dogs have become easy money for thieves. A purebred puppy can sell for a $1,000 and prize-winning adult dogs can be worth $10,000.
Robin Hirst, dog owner
"If one of my dogs was stolen, it would just tear my heart out. These dogs are like my children."
Faye Adcox promises she'll never let the dogs out of her sight again and plans to have microchips implanted as permanent identification.... All to make sure her best friends stay hers.
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