Denver Newlyweds Seek Public's Help Finding Beloved Dog Nala

DENVER, CO — A few weeks before Helen and Jeremy Richards got married, they lost a beloved family member. Their Nala, a five-year-old husky-shepherd mix, went missing from her yard June 25 in Denver's Barnum neighborhood.

The couple has since searched tirelessly for their dog. The pair has handed out flyers and even hired a private investigator from Nebraska who used her dogs to track Nala's scent.

"Nala's scent did ultimately end at 11th and Alcott at the Platte River. So we know for sure she went into the water at some point, but the investigator said she could've easily gotten out of the river because the water was very low," Helen Richards said. "She's a very strong swimmer and because the Platte River is so popular in Denver, I think we would've found out if she drowned."

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Since the search for Nala has been launched, her family has since received tips of potential sightings in the 38th and Alcott area; however they found out Tuesday that the dog spotted there isn't Nala.

"There is another sighting in the 41st and Alcott area of a black Mercury that was driving around with a dog that looked very much like her," Richards said. "At this point, because she hasn't turned up dead or wasn't hit by a car, we do believe somebody has her."

Nala's features include an all white coat (no yellow or brown), tear stains, hazel eyes, a pink nose and dark spots on her tongue. She is spayed and microchipped.

"She was our first pet, we never owned a pet before her. We've truly been changed by having her in our lives. She's everything to us — I think that anyone who doesn't have kids and who has dogs can attest to really feeling like our dogs are our kids."

Richards said they took Nala everywhere they went. She said Nala is the "gentlest, most loyal" dog.

"The reason this has rocked our world so much is because of the bond that we have with her, and she's very very attached and bonded to both Jeremy and I."

Richards said people from all around the world have sent messages of support over social media — cheering them on in their search.

"It's been such a huge blessing to see so many people that I've never met or talked to just asking to help and meet up to put up flyers and to go door-to-door," She said. "They've been immensely helpful in getting the word out."

Helen and Jeremy Richards are offering a reward of $3,000 for any information leading to Nala’s return. Anyone with information is asked to call Helen at (720) 210-8657.