A Marion County family’s search for their missing dog took a troubling turn when the woman who found their pet demanded money before giving him back.

Marion County Sheriff’s deputies say they received a call from a family who spotted a Facebook post from a woman named Christina Spence Reid saying she had found their lost dog, Teddy.

When the family reached out, Reid sent them a photo of herself with the dog — but when they asked when they could get Teddy back, she replied, “When you gonna have my money.”

Deputies went to Spence Reid’s home, where she told them she didn’t even want the dog. She was arrested and charged with grand theft.

Spence Reid has since posted bond.

What Marion County Animal Services wants you to know

Now, Marion County Animal Services officials want to remind the community about the resources available when a pet goes missing.

The shelter currently houses nearly 700 animals and has seen about 60 lost dogs come through its doors over the last week alone. Program Manager Sarah Gilly says families should not hesitate to reach out.

“They’re welcome to contact us. If anything seems out of the ordinary, if they have questions, if they’re concerned about the animal’s well-being, we are here to help,” Gilly said.

Shelter employees advise anyone searching for a lost pet to ask plenty of questions, get others involved, and use social media as a tool.

“So there’s definitely a bit of detective work, whether it’s via microchip, utilizing social media, which can be a really wonderful resource,” Gilly said.

The case for microchipping your pet

Animal services is also stressing the importance of microchipping — and reminding owners to update their address on file if they move.

This weekend, families have a free opportunity to do just that. Marion County Animal Services will be at Pet Palooza at the World Equestrian Center, and microchips are free on Saturday.