Kristyn Christiansen is making a desperate appeal tonight for the return of his three-year-old St. Bernard.

He told CBC News it took a thief just seconds on Thursday to drive away in his 1991 Dodge truck, taking his dog, Tzouhalem, with it.

The dog was in this 1991 Dodge truck, which was stolen from Vancouver's Chinatown on Thursday. (CBC)

Christiansen said the theft happened when he went inside a bank near Keefer Street and Gore Avenue in Vancouver's Chinatown. When he came out, the truck was gone.

Christiansen admits he left the keys inside along with a laptop — but what he desperately wants back is his dog.

He says the SPCA, Vancouver animal control and Vancouver police have all been notified.

VPD Const. Brian Montague confirmed the theft had been reported.

He said just before 11:30 p.m. PT that the truck and the dog were still missing.