SOUTH MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Milwaukee man desperately searched after someone took his service dog while he was in town visiting a friend.
Sebastian Leach said Little Willie was more than just man’s best friend, he’s family.
“He’s like my child,” Leach said.
The silky terrier also happened to be a registered service dog that helps Leech deal with depression, sciatica, fibromyalgia and other medical conditions.
“When my alarm goes off, if I don’t wake up, he makes sure I wake up to take my medicine,” he said.
Leach was visiting his friend Karen Spencer-McGee.
On Monday, Little Willie ran away from Spencer-McGee’s home in South Memphis while they were at a meeting at Lincoln Elementary School.
The dog had a collar on with a name and Leach’s phone number.
Leach believed someone found Willie and refuses to return him.
Neighbors later saw a boy leading the dog around on a rope.
“Even if it was a child that wandered off and has the dog, it had to take it home to a parent,” Spencer-McGee said.
He feared whoever has the dog may have cruel intentions.
“I don’t know if you all have ever heard of bait dogs,” he said. “The little boy that has him, usually finds dogs and sells them to guys for bait, and they kill them.”
Being separated from his best friend has left Leach devastated and suffering medically.
He has to drive back to Milwaukee Friday.
“12 hours, and probably half of it crying, because I had to leave here without him,” he said.
He and his friends were praying whoever has his dog will have a heart before then, consider who they are hurting, and free Willie.
“It doesn’t belong to you. Bring it back,” Spencer-McGee said. “Think of what it’s doing to me,”
“My dog. That’s like my baby. Just give him back,” Leach added, tearfully.
If you have seen Little Willie or have him, call Sebastian Leach at (414) 364-0493.
Leach said he just wants his dog back safely, no questions asked.
