As they often did, Willard Martz and his 10-year-old Airedale terrier, Lucky, went for a ride Monday morning.
When Martz parked outside the East Huntingdon Tractor Supply about 8:45 a.m., leaving a window open for his companion, and headed into the store, someone came up behind him, said his daughter, Linda Folino.
The person reached into his pocket, grabbed his keys and took off with the silver 2016 Ford Focus with Lucky inside. Martz, 87, was not hurt.
“We are totally devastated,” Folino said. “This is our little buddy.”
Now, the family is desperately searching for Lucky. They’ve posted the dog’s picture on Facebook in hopes he might be found. They are offering a $500 reward.
Lucky is a celebrity of sorts in the Donegal Township community where he lives with Martz.
“We go for rides, go down and get the mail, socialize with people,” Martz said. “He’s like my little son.”
Lucky was a stray before being adopted by Martz’ son, Robert, who had muscular dystrophy. After Robert’s death in 2020, Martz took him in.
“He became family,” Martz said.
He described the canine as a 55-pound lapdog.
“Anybody who knows Lucky — the vet, the groomer — everybody loves Lucky,” Folino said. “He’s so docile, he’s so sweet.”
State police are investigating.
Anyone with information about Lucky’s whereabouts is asked to contact Folino at 412-298-8611. The license plate on the Ford Focus is KVR-6440.
