A young mum and her toddler are heartbroken after their family dog was stolen from their home two days before Christmas.
However, mother Afsha Waheed is hopeful that their blue micro bulldog, named 'Russia', will be returned after she was snatched from the home on December 23.
Afsha informed police that her Birmingham property was broken into at approximately 1.15pm while she was in the city centre with her daughter Amaya, aged three.
Birmingham Live reports that the 'devastated' pair returned home to find a window smashed in, their TV stolen and their beloved pooch nowhere to be seen.
Afsha shared CCTV images of a man that she suspects may have been involved on social media.
Hoping for a Christmas miracle, Afsha said: "My three-year-old Amaya is absolutely devastated, we both are. We just want to find Russia and need help locating her.
"My daughter keeps asking me when Russia is coming home. She saw the broken glass and everything. She knows someone has taken our dog.
"I can't believe something like this would happen in broad daylight. I was in town taking my daughter for a haircut at the time.
"I'm concerned Russia will be sold to someone.
"But Russia is no use for breeding as she has a life-long medical issue - they may as well return her."
The 28-year-old added she is "so sad" because the nine-month-old pup "hasn't got any aggression in her".
"She is of pitbull descent so could have done a lot of damage with her teeth, if she was that way inclined," said Afsha.
Russia has white on her chest and a mark at the back of her neck in the shape of a diamond. The pup is said to be on medication and needs regular visits to the vets, which is another concern for Afsha.
"I just hope someone out there can help us get Russia home," added the worried parent.
"I'm supposed to be going to a wedding soon, but I don't feel up to doing anything."
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We can confirm we're investigating. Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat on our website."
Information can also be given by calling cops on 101, quoting crime reference number 20/1983347/21.
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