Losing a dog to a thief is like having a family member kidnapped.

That's the situation for The Darbys, who's eight-year-old Springer Spaniel "Seve" was stolen along with their black Jeep Cherokee on Mar. 11 by the Bragg Creek Community Centre.

The family has been on the search for Seve ever since, travelling as far as Olds to followup on leads. The search intensified when a shout out attracted had a huge response, despite the cold weather and poor road conditions.

On Saturday, concerned people from Cochrane, Bragg Creek, Redwood Meadows, and Calgary met at the Bragg Creek Community Centre. They extensively searched the Bragg Creek area and widened the scope in the afternoon to Calgary City limits, Turner Valley, Millerville, Trans-Canada Highway, and Cochrane.

"People texting me said they were searching from their homes out towards Canmore, out towards Calgary, out past Morley and out past Springbank," says James Darby. "We probably had 100 people that gave up their Saturday morning to search for Seve."

"The support has just been overwhelming. We've had people from all over Canada now that are praying for this to be successful, and for Seve to come home."

From the information they have gathered, there is an indication that Seve may still be in the immediate area.

The Darbys continue to reach out to many through multi-media channels. They have also been in touch with a K-9 private investigator. 

James also hoping those who stole their vehicle will catch wind of how important Seve is to their family.

"The car is immaterial, but Seve is a member of our family," says James. "Please take a minute to think about that, and do the right thing."

The vehicle is a black 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a headlight out on the driver's side and license plate # VNL 421.

Seve is extremely friendly. He has a black collar with no tags, is neutered and microchipped.

The Darbys are long-time Cochrane residents. James was recently named general manager of the Bragg Creek Community Association. Claire owns Strand Hair Salon that recently donated to the Big Hill Haven women's shelter as part of their anniversary celebration.

Anyone with information that could aid the search can phone/text 403-690-7740.