Family pit bull taken during burglary

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - On the night before Christmas, a Norfolk family is struggling to keep their good cheer after someone broke into their home.

The thieves stole Christmas presents and other items, but too something else far more valuable – a member of the family.

Flyers are posted in several locations along Tidewater Drive, all part of a desperate attempt to have the family dog Nyla returned to her family. On Dec. 13, the home of Chris and Stacey Cole was burglarized and their dog was taken along with everything else.

“When I came in, every single door and window was shut and locked,” Chris Cole told WAVY.com. “There’s not a door that [was] left open that she could escape out of.”

Stacey Cole says their two-year-old pit bull is much more than a pet to her.

“We got her when she was very little,” Stacey said. “She was the runt and we wanted her instantly.”

Now they want her back, so much so they are offering a cash reward to anyone who can bring Nyla home.

Coworkers, even strangers, have donated gifts to replace the ones stolen from them and their infant daughter as well as contributed to the reward fund for Nyla’s return.

Anyone with information is asked to call 443-521-3382.