Security video shows a brazen thief walking through the front door of a Silverhill home last Friday and stealing the family’s beloved sheepdog, Rags.

Since then, Rags’ owner Olivia Gardner has been frantically pleading for Rags’ return. Rags is is a one-year-old Old English Sheepdog who is deaf and responds to hand signals and commands, Gardner said.

“This evening it will be one week since a thief walked into my home and took Rags,” wrote on Facebook. “No part of these seven days have been easy for my family. Sleep has been lost, miles have been driven, phones have been called and called and called.”

Rags was stolen while Gardner was at a local Christmas parade last Friday. The video shows the thief simply walking through the front door and a moment later leaving, leading the dog by its collar.

Gardner’s boyfriend was home at the time, but didn’t think anything was amiss when the front door opened, according to WEAR, but when it closed a second time he became suspicious and discovered the dog missing.

Initially, they thought Rags had somehow gotten out and run off, but Rags had a GPS-enabled collar which led them to an intersection in Fairhope. Rags’ collar was there, but not Rags.

Gardner, who is a veterinary technician, has been seeking donations in order to offer a cash reward for Rags’ return. By Friday morning, the amount raised through a GoFundMe page and the Venmo account of a local rescue, Paw and Order Rescue Ranch, had reached $3,000.

“I’m not one to ask for handouts, especially during the holiday season, but whoever has information on the trash human who took my boy might just bring him back home to me with a cash offer,” Gardner wrote.

Silverhill police are investigating the theft, but have not identified a suspect. The thief was wearing a ski mask in the video. He is also seen in what appears to be a hoodie with GOAT across the front, warm-up style pants and white sneakers. It’s also been noted by those seeing the video the suspect has a tattoo on his left wrist.

Gardner also noted there is little in monetary gain to be had from stealing Rags, who is not only deaf, but neutered.

While Gardner and her family are heartbroken at Rags’ theft, she is gratified by the outpouring of community support.

“I know Rags is out there, I know he is wondering where I am,” she wrote Friday. “I won’t stop until I have him home. There’s nothing in this world I love more than my animals and family. There are so many unanswered questions and theories. All I can say is, please be kind. I am enraged that this has happened more than anyone could even imagine, and so is my family. All that I ask is that you all keep looking and listening. Share the posts, talk with your neighbors, and keep an eye out.

“I know Rags is out there and he is ready to come home to his family. If you know anything please call the police or reach out to me. We just want our boy home.”

Anyone with information on Rags or the person who stole him is asked to contact the Silverhill Police Department at 251-945-5200.