Behchoko family dog stolen by SPCA imposter

A Behchoko familyis pleading for theirdogbackafter it was taken by someoneclaiming to be an SPCA volunteer.

On Sunday, Norma Gauthier tookher Shih Tsu, named "Oreo," to a vaccination clinic being held by the SPCA. The clinic was held indoors at the community's fire hall.

Before entering the fire hall, Gauthier says she was approached by a woman named "Cheryl" who claimed to be an SPCA volunteer and said she would take the dog to Yellowknife.

Gauthier then took to the SPCA's Facebook page, wishing her dog well, and saying she hopes they "can find him a good home soon.

"If you're having trouble we would appreciate it if you could contact us," she wrote. "He also forgot his teddy bear."

However, when the family called to check on their pet, nobody at the SPCA had heard of Oreo. The confusion played out over Facebook, where SPCA president Nicole Spencer registered her surprise that Gauthier's dog had apparently been given up to the organization.

"No one named Cheryl was at the fire hall," read her reply to Gauthier's comment. "We don't know what dog you are referring to."

According to Gauthier, "Cheryl"was a short woman with dark hair, and spoke with a Newfoundland accent.

"It's troublesome because someone is saying they are part of theorganization and they are not," said Spencer."And now they have brought harm to a family by stealing their dog. Potentially, this dog could be harmed."

Anyone who has seen Oreo or has any information about his disappearanceshould contact the RCMP.