AVENTURA, FLA. (WSVN) - - A South Florida dog owner is turning to the public for help after, he said, his 4-month-old puppy was taken from his parked car, Saturday night.

Rian Maercks said Christmas won’t be the same without his new pup Schiele. The 4-month-old rescue dog from Puerto Rico was snatched from his owner’s Tesla in the parking lot of the West Marine located along Biscayne Boulevard, near Northeast 178th Street, in Aventura.

Maercks said he parked his Tesla in front of the retailer and ran in for just a few minutes to pick up a new grill. He had had left the air conditioning on and had locked the doors before leaving the car.

When he returned, he found his rear driver’s side window shattered. Schiele was gone, as was his briefcase.

“I looked at my front seat, and I expected to see this beautiful puppy sleeping, and he wasn’t there,” said Maercks.

Now he the heartbroken owner is making a painful plea for help. He reported the theft to police and has been putting up fliers, to no avail.

Maercks is hoping someone will spot Schiele and point him in the right direction. “I have no family, so my dogs are my family, and he was my new addition,” he said. “He really fit in just wonderfully, and he’s one of the most intelligent and loving pups I’ve ever encountered.”

He is offering a $2,000 reward for his puppy’s safe return.

“I’m madly in love with him, so I hope he comes back to me,” he said.

If you have any information on this theft, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.

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