Family Pleads For Dog's Return

COPPEROPOLIS (CBS13) -- A Copperopolis family is begging for the return of their beloved Oscar.

The 10-year-old dog and his pal Grisley escaped the family's gate and vanished for a few days. The four-legged friends ended up at the Calaveras County animal shelter.

"Anyone who sees this dog is going to want to adopt him," Nick Farnsworth told CBS13. "He's a big, lanky puppy dog."

The Farnsworths called in a lost dog report and were told there were no dogs matching Oscar's description. But after 72 hours Animal Control says Oscar was adopted by another family.

"The little girl saw that dog and immediately ... she would go up and hug it. They were like best friends immediately," said Sgt. Laurie Murry with Animal Control.

When the Farnsworths called again a few days later, they received the heartbreaking news.

"They're telling us we're not getting our dog back," Nick said.

Deputies blame a discrepancy with the dog's description. Oscar didn't have dog tags or a microchip, and at first glance Animal Control officers classified him as a lab, not a St. Bernard mix like the Farnsworths had called in missing.

"Stray dogs that come in don't have tattooed on their lips what breeds they are," Murry said. "We have to look at a dog and say 'what kind of dog is this?'"

The Farnsworths question how long the shelter waited before letting Oscar go with a new family.

"I know they probably fell in love with the dog too, but they've only had him for a week," Nick said. "We've had him 10 years."

Animal Control is working on a resolution.

"There's always hope," Murry said. "I have messages into the family that adopted the dog to see if it can be returned to the Farnsworths."

The Farnsworths are making fliers with pictures of Oscar hoping the new family has a change of heart. The animal shelter didn't immediately hear back from them.