A Boynton Beach family went to Craigslist looking for someone to take care of their four-year-old dog named Fluffy. But when the family returned from a trip, Fluffy and the dog sitter were nowhere to be found.
Rosalia Viera was going to Brazil and found a woman named Keyana Morales who claimed to be a pet sitter. Viera checked things out and decided to let Fluffy stay with Morales. When Viera returned from her trip, things changed.
Viera tried calling, texting, and even driving by the house the pet sitter said was hers. But as she drove by, she realized the house was empty and Morales wasn’t who she claimed to be.
“We trusted her. I don’t think she has a heart,” Viera said. "I could not believe. I said, ‘how could this lady be doing this to us?'"
Police said Morales’ real name is Shamari Patrick and she lives out of her car. Viera said she doesn’t know why Fluffy was stolen, but begged Patrick to bring the pooch back home.
“Bring our dog back; we need him back,” Viera said.
Law enforcement said the dognapping is a good example of why you shouldn’t look on Craigslist to find a pet sitter. But, if you choose to use the site, definitely do plenty of research before hiring anyone.
Local
If you have information about Shamari Patrick or Fluffy, call Detective Rocky Zavattaro at 561-742-6135 or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 1-800-458-TIPS.
