All-Out Search On In Port Jefferson Station For Former NYPD Officer's Missing Therapy Dog
PORT JEFFERSON STATION, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A desperate search was under way on Monday for a missing therapy dog, and the owners fear someone snatched the tiny Yorkie from their yard two weeks ago.
As CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported, a Facebook page is now filled with 3,000 volunteers who want to help bring the beloved doggie home.
"That's my boy," said Michael Renna. "I miss him very much."
"He needs to come home," added Traci Rivera.
The Yorkie, named Tattoo, is more than just a dog to the couple. The special Yorkshire terrier is a past Father's Day gift to Renna – to help him recover from the latest of multiple heart surgeries since he retired from the NYPD four years ago.
"It would help bring my spirits up," Renna said.
On the front porch of Renna and Rivera's Port Jefferson Station home, Tattoo's doggie blanket awaits him.
"He's just a love," Renna said. "He'll go to anybody."
The door was discovered to be accidentally open just a crack, and the Yorkie must have scampered out. Police believe someone walking or driving down Terryville Road must have snatched the trusting pooch that weighs less than four pounds.
"Just smothering me with kisses, and if I wanted him to go 15 minutes by going, 'Tatooey!' he would," Renna said.
Tattoo's collar is off when he is inside the home.
"We decided to get him chipped and neutered next month," Renna said.
Tattoo was a constant companion, and he offered Renna comfort at all hours of the day.
"Three, 4 o'clock in the morning, we'd get woken up – just because he felt like kissing you," he said.
Since Tattoo first went missing March 15, Port Jefferson volunteers – complete strangers – have helping Renna and Rivera post signs.
"Something else I needed was restoration in mankind," Renna said. "And this restored my faith."
"People we don't even know are reaching out to us," Rivera added. "Tattoo just isn't a pet. He's actually one of our children. He's our family."
The search for Tattoo now includes a Facebook group, a GoFundMe page, and a $2,000 reward to bring Tattoo home – no questions asked.
The Port Jefferson village constable and the Suffolk Police Sixth Precinct were assisting with the search for Tattoo.