Missing pets are close to the hearts of their owners on Valentine's Day.

This is Pet Theft Awareness Day, and several people with missing dogs are speaking out about what they believe is a growing theft issue in Alberta and are shedding light on how their lives are forever altered due to the abduction of their pet.

In response to the sharp rise in dog thefts across the province, the Alberta Abducted Dogs Welfare Association (AADWA) has been formed with the aim to solve these crimes, stating limited police resources are allocated to these investigations.

The organization also provides resources to victims helping them respond swiftly to a pet abduction in a time that is incredibly emotional for victims.

AADWA is encouraging victims to file a report with the police as soon as they believe their pet has been abducted. Filing a report and having a police incident report number generated is vitally important to any follow-up investigation. If they are turned away, they should request to speak to the head of their local police department.

Ulrika Wikner’s German Shepard, Gus, was stolen on December 29, 2023, from her farm near Red Deer. Her dog was abducted within 10 minutes and later it came to her attention that there was a suspicious van parked in her parking lot at the time. Wikner has been looking for her dog since

"My beloved Gus is still missing," she says. "He was stolen right from my yard. I am worried sick about him and my heart is completely shattered.”

Krista Arseneau’s dog, Axal, was last seen December 5, 2023 in Stony Plain. After doing her due diligence, Arseneau tracked Axal’s prints until they abruptly ended and baited hide was found in close proximity.

“My best friend was stolen from me; he’s never left my side in 11 years," she says. "I could write a million stories about why he’s the best dog, but truthfully, we all have the best dog and none of us are wrong.”

Since the disappearance of Axal, Arseneau has been an advocate for all stolen and missing dogs. She has created an album on the Bring Axal Home Facebook Page, where she has now totalled 52 stolen dogs since November.

Arseneau says she is frustrated by the perpetually dismissal of these crimes by the police, and as a result many go unreported.

"Victims are being turned away by the police at alarming rates," she says. "They are already suffering and then to be dismissed by the police adds insult to injury.”

Closer to home, Aynsley Foss, who resides north of Cochrane just off Hwy. 567 continues her search to recover Dixie, who disappeared on November 27, 2023.

READ: Growing army of people searching for Dixie and other missing dogs

"It’s not like this is your bicycle that was stolen," she says. "This is a living being that relies on you and should be taken seriously by all branches of government and police officers.”

AADWA is advocating the government for more rights for abducted pets. Currently, the crime to steal a pet is considered theft under $5,000. Other jurisdictions, like the United Kingdom have changed their laws to recognize animals as companions and as sentient beings, rather than solely as property.

Foss has vowed to work with the public, other victims, pet groups and government to change laws to see through that abducted animals seek protection.