A rare French bulldog was stolen from the Ballard Pet Store on Nov. 27 and owner Norm Blacksher is willing to pay a $300 reward to get it back.

Around 5 p.m. that day, a man and a woman came into the store. The woman distracted the store's two employees by showing interest in another dog.

When the couple left the store, the French bulldog was found missing. The couple were the only customers in the store at the time.

Blacksher is worried the dog will need some medication the store uses to treat all their puppies.

The medication is a special Chinese herb the store uses to control or prevent upper respiratory conditions, colds or kennel cough.

The dog was being treated for a sniffle and Blacksher said it was doing fine before it was stolen.

"The dog could get pneumonia or could develop something serious," said Blacksher.

He said the thieves won't know what food the dog is used to eating and the stress of moving to a new environment could be harmful.

When the Ballard Pet Store sells a dog, part of the sales agreement requires the new owner to take the pet to a veterinarian within three days for a health evaluation.

The thieves could be planning to sell the dog. It is worth at $2,600.

The dog is black, six to eight inches tall, a foot long and weighs eight to 10 pounds.

"It was the cutest puppy in the store with a sweat disposition. It's a great family dog," said Blacksher.

Anyone with information about the dog should call 782-2292. No questions will be asked.

The store is located at 6115 15th Avenue.