VANCOUVER, Wash. -- The owners of a pet boutique store in Vancouver are asking for the public's help in finding their beagle mascot.

The Washington couple who own Beastie Boutique on Northeast 99 in Vancouver said they’ve uncovered some clues that make them believe that Bart the beagle didn’t run away, but that he was stolen.

“They’re with us 24-seven. He comes into the store. We have customers who come in just to see Bart,” said store and beagle owner Kristina McLeskey.

The McLeskeys said they let Bart out in front of their house in Ridgefield, Wash., right before bedtime, and he never came back. The family searched for the beagle and hired a K-9 search and rescue service, but nothing turned up.

Bart’s collar was found on the ground, unhooked. The McLeskeys said the possibility that Bart was stolen could be a good thing.

"Bart means the world to us and everyone that comes into our store," McLeskey said. "We need to do whatever it takes to get him home again."

“There’s still a gleam of hope there that we could get him back and so that gave us a revived energy to keep looking for him.

The McLeskeys are known for their generosity. Earlier this month, someone stole the tires of a Meal on Wheels SUV, and the McLeskeys donated the money to help get the organization back on the road.

The family is hoping someone else out there can find it in their heart to help them out in their time of need.

The man who owns the K-9 search and rescue team said he’s seen a spike in dog theft recently. He said he’s investigated seven stolen pet cases in Washington and Oregon in the past few months.

FOX 12 checked Craigslist.org Tuesday morning and there were several notices about Bart and pleas for his return. There is also a listing that read the McLeskeys are offering a $500 reward for Bart’s return.

A reward of up to $1,250 is being offered for Bart's safe return.

Owners: Beagle Mascot Stolen From Yard