A family is frantic to find their furry friend is now offering a $500 reward after their car was stolen in Brampton with the family dog inside.

The dog’s owner, David Hoff, told Breakfast Television he’s had three-year-old Paws, a labradoodle, since he was a puppy.

Hoff said that while he’s recovering from open heart surgery, his sister offered to take Paws to an appointment.

Peel police said the car was parked, but left running, in the Longo’s parking lot at Ray Lawson Boulevard and Main Street on Monday night.

When the woman returned a short time later, the car and the dog were gone.

The vehicle had keyless remote entry and the window was slightly rolled down so Paws could get some fresh air.

Peel police are now investigating the theft and are asking anyone with information to call (905) 453-3311 ext. 2233.

Hoff said that although Paws is a big dog, he’s very docile.

“He takes up the whole front seat, if he chooses to, or he’ll sit in the back. He’s obviously noticeable in the car,” Hoff said.

“Even though he’s big he’s thoroughly timid and shy, he has no mean streak … so if someone should jump in the car, which obviously happened, he would have just sat aside and watched.”

Hoff said Paws isn’t microchipped and wasn’t wearing a collar with a tag, but was in a yellow or orange harness.

The vehicle is described as a royal blue Toyota Camry with the licence plate BXJW 772.