A Brisbane family is living through every pet owner's worst nightmare after their car was stolen with their beloved German Shepherd asleep in the back.
Friday Night Tragedy in Wynnum
Nathan McKeown was visiting friends near Davidson Street in Wynnum on Friday night when the unthinkable occurred. He had brought along his seven-year-old German Shepherd Arnie, but when a friend's Kelpie didn't get along with him, Nathan made the decision to let Arnie rest in the back of his ute.
"He's slept in the back of the ute before when we've gone away camping, it's his safe space," Nathan explained to 7NEWS.
Arnie was left with water and a window partially open while Nathan returned to socialise with his friends. When he emerged from the house later that evening, both his vehicle and his cherished pet had vanished.
Desperate Search for Family Member
The McKeown family immediately sprang into action. "I went and met one of my mates, he picked me up, we drove around looking up streets, checking car parks seeing if it had been abandoned," Nathan recounted.
The heartbroken owner believes Arnie likely didn't bark during the theft because "he probably thought it was me getting in the ute."
Nathan and his wife Louise suspect opportunistic thieves targeted the vehicle, checking if it was unlocked. The emotional impact on the family has been profound, particularly for their five-year-old daughter.
Family Devastated by Loss
"He's our family pet, we've been through a lot with him, we just want him back," Louise said emotionally. "He's very special, very."
The couple described the close bond between their daughter and Arnie, calling them "best mates" who are "thick as thieves." To comfort their grieving child, they've been telling her that Arnie is "on holidays."
Nathan shared more about Arnie's personality: "They have their own personality, they're great dogs, I take him for runs with me in the mornings, he loves the dog park. We take him everywhere with us."
Louise revealed Arnie's intuitive nature, recalling that "he knew I was pregnant before I did!"
Community-Wide Search Efforts
The desperate family has taken multiple measures to find their missing companion:
- Contacted a pet detective
- Called local veterinarians and the pound
- Distributed flyers throughout the Brisbane area
- Conducted extensive driving searches
Nathan admitted he hasn't been sleeping since the incident, constantly searching for any sign of his beloved dog.
Simple Plea to Thieves
The McKeowns have one clear message for whoever took their vehicle and dog: "Please just return our dog, you can keep the ute, we don't need the ute, we just want our pet back," Nathan pleaded.
"We just want to know he's safe," added Louise, expressing concern about Arnie's wellbeing. "We just hope he's being looked after, he's a big dog, but he's a big friendly giant."
Authorities are urging anyone who spots a male German Shepherd or a black ute with a "for sale" sign on the back to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.
