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Reward offered for stolen dog

No questions asked, Christine Walter just wants her dog back.

Walter went into the Starbucks in Whistler Village Centre to get a cup of coffee on Saturday, Nov. 27, tying her four-year-old Teacup Maltese to a rail outside. She stayed inside to drink her coffee with a friend, and when she left about half an hour later she discovered that someone had taken Frenchie. No one saw the thief, but the dog was seen by other customers just before 6:30 p.m., 10 minutes before Walter exited the shop.

Walter says she is having a hard time without her dog.

"My daughter and I had her since she was a baby, I went through an illness with her by my side, which is part of what makes this so difficult for me. The whole family loved the dog, and she’s been to Florida, and Whistler and out east with us. She’s really one of the family. We’re pretty devastated by this whole thing." said Walter.

She hasn’t been able to eat since Saturday, and keeps hoping someone will call with news about her pet.

She says she never would have left the dog alone if she’d known its value. Walter bought Frenchie for $700 four years ago, an average price for a thoroughbred dog. Since then the breed has grown in popularity with celebrities like Paris Hilton and Puff Daddy carrying the small dogs around. The price has gone up to between $2,100 and $10,000, and breeders have told her that a black market is emerging for stolen Teacup Maltese.

The Walter family is offering a $1,500 reward for the return of Frenchie, no questions asked. You can contact her at 360-601-4593.