OCALA, Fla. – An Ocala family says their longtime dog is still missing weeks after a woman was seen picking him up on surveillance video outside their home.
The family says Apollo, a small white dog they’ve had for more than 13 years, disappeared April 25 after walking near the edge of their property along Highway 328.
Josey said a neighbor saw the woman stop and ask whether the dog belonged to them.
“The neighbor told her no, then called us to ask if Apollo was missing,” Josey said. “But by the time we got the message, she was gone.”
Josey and her husband, Nicolas Josey, said they initially understood why the responding Marion County deputy did not classify the case as a theft.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to News 6 that no police report was generated because the deputy did not determine a theft had occurred.
“At first, it made sense because she did stop and ask about the dog,” Vera Josey said. “But now it’s been weeks, and we still don’t know who she is or where Apollo is.”
The family now wants investigators to take another look at the case.
Nicolas Josey said Apollo disappearing that day was unusual.
“He doesn’t usually go out like that. He stays by the house,” he said.
Vera Josey spoke to News 6 from her hospital bed as she prepares to give birth to the couple’s second child.
“I’m trying to keep my stress level down and focus on having a safe, healthy delivery,” she said. “But I just want Apollo back. No harm, no foul. Just bring him back home.”
The Joseys said they are offering a reward for information that leads to Apollo’s return.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the family through the number listed on their signs and social media posts.