'A nightmare': Couple pleads for help finding dog that was in stolen vehicle

A Saskatchewan couple is pleading for the public's help finding their stolen dog.

On Nov. 26, Carla Lepp and her husband Jevon were grocery shopping in Watson, Sask., about 200 kilometres north of Regina, when their Jeep was stolen out of the parking lot.

Their black labrador retriever, Jaxon, was in the back seat at the time. He and the vehicle have not been seen since.

Now the couple is appealing to the public.

"It's been emotional. It's been a lot of tears, a lot of anger, a lot of excited feelings," Jevon said.

"Nobody should have to live a nightmare like this," Carla said. "Whether it's a family pet or a family member, nobody should have to go through this."

The stolen vehicle is a blue 2007 Jeep Compass with blue headlights and the licence plate 343 MWW.

Carla's phone was in the car when it was taken, but she said that the police were unwilling to track it when she first reported the crime.

RCMP confirmed they received a report on Nov. 26 of a vehicle theft in Watson and that a dog was inside.

"Officers are still working to locate the vehicle," they said in a statement. 

In the meantime the couple has turned to social media and has been encouraged by the reaction.

"We have it posted absolutely all over Facebook. Everyone is sharing all over, even in the States," Carla said. "The amount of people who are commenting and chatting with us and out looking is way more than we ever expected."

"It's been a blessing to see how many people have banded together to help the search," said Jevon.

WATCH | Couple searching for dog after their Jeep was stolen at the grocery store: 

Couple searching for dog after their Jeep was stolen at the grocery store

5 days ago

Duration 0:53

Carla and Javon Lepp were grocery shopping in Watson, Sask., when their Jeep was stolen out of the parking lot. The vehicle was running to keep it warm and their black labrador retriever Jaxon was in the back seat. He's been missing since.

The couple said several people have reached out with leads, including a man who believes the same supect took his vehicle in Lake Lenore offering a $2,000 reward for finding the dog.

That vehicle, a white 2014 GMC truck, has been spotted in Prince Albert. Carla and Jevon said a dog matching Jaxon's description was also spotted in Prince Albert on Nov. 29 and they're confident it's him. 

The couple currently lives in Quill Lake, Sask., about 20 kilometres east of Watson and several hours drive away from Prince Albert. The Jeep was their only vehicle. Jevon and Carla are both on disability and say they can't afford to buy another car.

"I am stranded here, three hours away. I would love to be up there joining the search," said Jevon. "I don't care about my car, whatsoever. Keep it, do whatever. I want my dog back."

Anyone who may have seen the dog or the Jeep, or has information about them, is encouraged to call RCMP or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.