A family in Winkler is heartbroken after learning their dog was stolen from the yard and dragged behind a truck until it died on the weekend.

"I know that he went up to those people willingly and thought that they were his friends," owner Hilda Wiebe said. "It's pretty devastating to think of that."

Wiebe, 21, first realized her eight-year-old mix Rusty was missing Saturday morning and called police.

Her parents, who earlier spotted a truck parked near their yard, believe the dog was taken sometime Friday evening.

After examining the road nearby, Wiebe found a screwdriver and a piece of tow rope.

"I guess they had taken him, stabbed him with a screwdriver, tied him up and dragged him down the road," she said.

Hilda Wiebe holds the screwdriver and a piece of tow rope she believes were used in her dog's death. (Holly Caruk/CBC)

When a co-worker later found Rusty about three kilometres away along Highway 3, there was tow rope around the dog's neck, Wiebe said.

"They just didn't care.… I honestly think it's just some young, stupid kids that were bored," Wiebe said.

RCMP said they are investigating the incident but cannot confirm the dog was dragged behind a vehicle.

Rusty's death has hurt her whole family, Wiebe said.

She is the eldest of five siblings who live at home and all grew up with the friendly, affectionate dog.

'He's just the sweetest'

"He'll do anything for a belly rub," she said. "He's just the sweetest."

Wiebe said the dog trusted everyone, including strangers.

Rusty was a trusting, friendly dog, said Wiebe, who would do anything for a good belly scratch. (Courtesy Hilda Wiebe)

If RCMP are unable to discover who killed her dog, Wiebe said she will create a reward for tips about what happened.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Carman RCMP at 204-745-6760 or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, submit a secure tip online or text "TIPMAN" plus a message to CRIMES (274637).