Winter Haven, Florida - For anyone who has a pet, that animal is like a member of the family.
Whether its a dog or a cat, or any other creature, there's a feeling of unconditional love. It's almost like caring for a child.
"They're family members. They may walk on four legs, but they're definitely family members. Pets are family," said Robbie Nickerson.
For Robbie's pet chihuahua, Elley, life doesn't get any sweeter.
The two-and-a half year old mama pup gave birth to three healthy puppies, and she had lots of love to give.
She cleaned them, cared for them and nudged them into becoming more social in their early lives. They loved their mama, and she loved them right back.
At just five weeks old, the little ones were well on their way to a happy life in their Winter Haven home.
"You feed them, you love on them, give them all the attention you can give them, play with them, definitely like having a baby," said Heather Weston, Robbie's wife.
When Heather and Robbie left for work Wednesday morning, they kissed their puppies goodbye, locked the door and left.
Everything seemed fine.
Hours later, they got a desperate phone call. A neighbor told them to rush home.
Robbie admitted, "Instantly your heart stops, you can't breathe. You don't think it's real."
What they came home to was heartbreaking and shocking all at the same time.
Elley was wide eyed and whimpering in the front yard, and the door was open. Her babies were gone.
"My heart stopped, it was unbelievable. I really thought it was as a joke," said Robbie.
The heartless crooks ripped the puppies from their new mother. The house was a mess, the flat screens were gone, along with an Xbox, some cameras and jewelry.
Now, the mama pup, who was still nursing, is missing her babies. It breaks your heart as she desperately sniffs for them and searches, whimpering each night they're gone.
"They're missed and they're loved we want them returned home," Robbie told us.
Sadly, Heather and Robbie believe their home was targeted.
The puppies are purebreds and worth well over $2,000 a piece. The couple is working with the Polk County Sheriff's Office to get their babies back, so that Elley can care for pups once again.
The couple is spreading fliers all over Winter Haven and other communities, hoping that someone will take notice. They are also hoping that maybe a vet's office or even a flea market will see the little ones and turn them into deputies.
The couple is also worried that someone may be mistreating the tiny babies or not feeding them properly since they are so young.
"We just want them back," said Heather, her eyes welling with tears. "They are our babies."
If you know who did this, there is a cash reward from Polk County Crime Stoppers. Please call 1-800-220-TIPS.