An Erie family is making an emotional plea for the safe return of their two beloved pugs, Stella and Twitch, who were stolen from their backyard on Friday.

Macayla Griffin says the dogs were more than just pets — they were emotional support animals deeply connected to her one-year-old son. She says her toddler continues to search for the pugs, not understanding why they’re gone.

“He’ll go around and try to call for them, bring out food... he’s just sad. They don’t come out,” Griffin shared tearfully. “They literally are like my kids. They are a part of me.”

Griffin says the dogs were last seen in their secured backyard pen, where she had even leashed them for added safety. Just 30 minutes later, they were gone. She says she immediately knew something was wrong when she found their collars and leashes left on the ground.

“Somebody physically unclipped them and just left the collars laying there,” she said.

The silence at home is now louder than ever. Griffin describes how her son used to light up the moment the dogs came inside.

“They sleep together; they play together. As soon as the dogs come in, his whole world lights up,” she said.

The family is pleading for the safe return of Stella and Twitch and says they’re willing to do anything to bring them home.

Erie Police are currently investigating the theft.