TOWNSEND, Del. -- Delaware State Police said they are investigating a burglary during which two puppies were stolen.

The incident occurred sometime between 3:30 p.m. and 11:20 p.m. on Feb. 5 in Townsend.

Police said at least one burglar broke into a home located along the 200 block of Eagles Nest Landing Road by damaging the back door to the house.

Kevin Boughner said he found splintered doorframes and broken sheetrock when he and Tina Avalone, who own Eagles Nest Kennels together, came home late one night.

"The house was all devastated (and) ripped up inside," Boughner said.

He said they were missing a computer, a stereo and a digital camera.

Sophie, the golden retriever, tried to tell them something.

"She started crying right away, and we had no idea why until we started to count the puppies and realized there was two missing, and then we realized they were two females," Avalone said.

Two puppies were stolen out of the 10 left from their original litter of 16.

"Well, it was simple," Avalone said. "They go with anybody. Puppies don't know any different."

Boughner said he and Avalone are just worried about the dogs' well-being.

---

View Images
Video: Breeders Plead For Help

---

"What did they do with them?" he said. "Did they still have them? Did they take them out and kill them or hurt them? Where are they at? Are they OK?"

The female dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club and valued at $750 each.

But state police do not think the puppies were the reason for the break-in.

"We have not had many cases, if any, where somebody specifically targeted a dog in a burglary," Cpl. Jeff Whitmarsh said.

It's been almost two weeks, but there has been no word on the fate of the pups. Boughner and Avalone said they just hope that the thieves are animal lovers.

"I'm hoping they were," Avalone said. "That makes me sleep at night."

State police said troopers are seeking the public's assistance in solving the burglary case. Anyone with information is asked to call 302-834-2620 ext. 211, Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or e-mail information to kevin@dealsonwheelsde.com.