Caramel and Lexie. (Courtesy of the Taylor family)
A home invasion can be a painful experience even when just your valuables have been stolen. But for one family, the event was much more devastating as they realized their 10-week old Chihuahua, Caramel, had also been taken.
When the Taylor family realized that Caramel was missing, they spoke with a neighbor who had reportedly witnessed the event. The neighbor said that he was unable to catch the burglar but that he was indeed carrying Caramel.
"Objects can be replaced," said Tracy Taylor. "But the dog's a family member."
The family's daughter, Lexie, seemed to be the most upset at the loss of their pet. Much younger than her older brothers, Lexie treasured her friendship with Caramel.
"She is sadly missed by all the family, but our 8-year-old daughter is devastated at losing her best friend," the family posted to a special Instagram account created to aid in the search for their lost pet.
The Taylor's also created a Facebook page, dedicated to the search for Caramel, that reached over 15,000 likes in only a few weeks, but were still unable to find their stolen pet. Eventually the story reached the media who helped spread the word even farther.
After one particular news report, Richard Taylor received a call from a woman who claimed that she had purchased Caramel "in good faith", but after seeing the report realized that the pet might have been stolen.
In a Facebook video post afterwards, the family updated all those who had followed the story with news that Lexie and Caramel had finally been reunited.
"Thank you, whoever you are," said Lexie in the video as she hugged her best friend.