A family dog goes missing, critical lifeline for paralyzed boy

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A family is on the search to find their missing dog, and she's not any dog, but one critical to helping a paralyzed family member.

FOX6 first told you about this family after Xzavier Davis-Bilbo was struck by a car -- the driver was texting, and Xzavier was left paralyzed. Now, the family fears the dog that has been helping him, was stolen.

It's a nice treat when 9-year-old Xzavier goes for a trip to the corner store, but on this day, his normal companion is missing from his side.

"I miss Shi Shi," said Xzavier.

Xzavier's life was changed in October of 2010. He was hit by a woman texting and driving, while crossing the street. He became paralyzed, and his helper Shi Shi became a lifeline.

"She is his dog, that is her job," said Valetta Bradford, mom.

On Tuesday, May 20th, that changed when Bradford went outside, and the silver helper dog was gone.

"By the time that we went to give her breakfast, which is not even 5 minutes, she's gone," said Bradford. "I'm calling, calling, calling...nothing.  We were walking the blocks, we were 6 blocks away."

The family believes the dog was stolen, and reported her missing.

"Whoever took this dog has to understand this dog is extremely important to this family," said Bradford.

The pitbull was being trained to be a sort-of service dog to Xzavier. She would help with everything from opening doors, to alerting the family if the 9-year-old had trouble breathing.

"I want her back," said Xzavier.

And so does the rest of the family.

"It's really important someone returns her," said Bradford.

Anyone with information about the dog's whereabouts is asked to call Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control at: 414- 649-8640