'You don't steal somebody's dog': Vancouver panhandler saddened by companion's disappearance

An East Vancouver man who often sits outside a neighbourhood restaurant in his wheelchair is hoping his stolen dog will be returned to him.

Michael Lorimersayshis dog went missing about a week ago after he went into the buildingat East Hastings and Nanaimo and left the animal outside.

Lorimersays he's devastated he left the dog on its own.

"I'm hoping someone thought the dog was in need of help and were doing right by picking her up," he said Sunday."You don't steal somebody's dog ... she's part of your family."

Watch Michael Lorimer describe what his dog means to him:

East Vancouver's Michael Lorimer describes what his dog Mishah means to him

6 years ago

Duration 0:17

Lorimer is looking for his pet, which went missing in East Vancouver.

The dog is a Jack Russell-Chihuahua cross named Mishah. The animalis mostly white with brown ears and a small black spot on its back.

Lorimeris partially paralyzed and haspanhandled in the neighbourhood for several years. He saidit's been tough being without his pet.

"She was with me 24-7. She's just a great little dog, a good little companion."

Community members have been helping Lorimertry and find Mishahby putting up posters about the dog.

With files from Jon Hernandez.