Search for local woman's missing dog

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A local woman with cancer is heartbroken after her dog, who has comforted her after many hospital visits and chemo treatments, went missing.

The community has rallied behind her in her search for her toy poodle, Dolly.

The family is offering a $250 reward.

Simone Albert and her husband, Dave, say the timing could not have been worse to lose their precious poodle, Dolly.

“We have had a lot on our plate. It's a lot to bear,” Dave said.

Simone has been battling breast cancer since 2001. She said it wasn't the most aggressive type of cancer but seven years later, it spread to her lungs, then to her liver.

Simone said her red, toy poodle has been her lifeline.

“We just need her back. It's a bad time,” Dave said. “We've been heavy-hearted with this loss. Simone has had six hospitalizations in the last year."

After the most recent one, a friend was helping Simone by walking Dolly in her northeast Albuquerque neighborhood Monday. The friend said Dolly got scared and ran away near the busy intersection of San Mateo and Hannett.

“We took off in a car calling and calling. By that evening, we were putting up posters,” Simone said.

With the help of neighbors and friends, they put up about a hundred flyers and posted on Facebook and Craigslist.

They have checked with local vets, shelters and groomers.

Despite their efforts and the fact that Dolly had a collar, they haven't heard a thing.

“I can certainly understand if you have grown attached to this dog because we sure have, and we're offering a $250 reward for her return."