A shocking incident has left a Melbourne family devastated after their beloved dog, Morticia, was stolen by a group of youths in the early hours of Friday.
The 72-year-old owner, Boguslaw Gawrysiak, was walking Morticia, affectionately known as “Morti”, along Huntingdale Road in Mount Waverley when the theft occurred.
The Distressing Incident
According to Ewa Gawrysiak, Boguslaw’s daughter, the group of young people, believed to be in their late teens and early 20s, approached her father in a black Holden Commodore.
They started yelling demands for Morti, saying “we want the dog” and “give us the dog”.
Ewa explained that her father initially thought they were just drunk people coming home after a night out, but things took a turn for the worse when the group stopped and exited the car.
A Desperate Attempt to Save Morti
Boguslaw ran into a nearby convenience store on Waverley Road in Chadstone, hoping to escape the group. However, the young people followed him into the store, where they confronted him.
Despite trying to pull Morti back, one of the women managed to pat her and say how “cute” she was, before unhooking her from her lead.
The group then pushed Boguslaw away, and Morti was stolen.
The Beloved Family Pet
Morticia is a five-year-old Staffy cross who was adopted by the Gawrysiak family in 2022.
Ewa describes her as an “oversized lapdog” and “a giant snuggle buddy” who loves people and is extremely sympathetic to their emotions.
The family is heartbroken, and Ewa’s sister, who adopted Morti from the RSPCA, is trying to get back to Australia as soon as possible.
The Investigation
Victoria Police is investigating the incident and is urging anyone with information to come forward. The black Holden Commodore had no plates and was last seen driving south on Huntingdale Road.
If you have any CCTV, dashcam footage, or information, you can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Let’s help bring Morti back home to her loving family.