Missing dog almost returned to family

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A missing dog is missing no more, but that's just where the story begins.

The dog's owner has no way to know who its rescuers are so she's unable to get her beloved pet back.

8-year-old Ava Kralle can't stop thinking about her best friend Shelly.

"I hope someone has Shelly and they're taking really good care of her," Ava said.

Shelly, a miniature Pinscher-Chihuahua mix, has been missing for more than a week now.

"She's a lovable dog, she's cute, she's cuddly, she's actually the perfect pet," Jennifer Kralle said.

The family was bringing in Christmas decorations two Saturdays ago when Shelley slipped out the front door.

After two days, they received a phone call they were waiting for. A woman found Shelly along Comly Road, not too far from their house.

But the good news would be short-lived.

"I definitely thought we were getting her back," Jennifer said.

The woman who found Shelly brought her to Bree's Animal Hospital in Mayfair.

They scanned Shelly for a microchip and found one.

But they couldn't reach the Kralles right away.

So the woman left her name and number with the hospital and took Shelly back home with her.

But when the Kralles finally called the animal hospital back, they say the office staff had lost the woman's information and, in essence, left Shelly in limbo.

"They lost the info; it was put on a [sticky note]," Jennifer said.

The family hopes whoever has Shelly will see this story and help them reunite.

"She's out there probably looking for us and we are looking for her," Jennifer said, adding, "That would be the best gift, to have Shelly home for the holidays. Ava wrote her note to Santa and said if Shelly isn't home by Christmas, could he please bring Shelly home?"

"I hope she comes back soon," Ava said.

LINK: http://www.helpinglostpets.com/petdetail/?id=309650