Family pleads for help after emotional support dog for boy with autism goes missing

An emotional support dog belonging to a boy with autism has gone missing. His family is now desperate for help and hopes someone will bring their dog back.

The La Puerta family, who live in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, told NBC10 it has been over two months since they last saw their beloved Yorkie, Mahia.

Mahia is not just a pet. She is a nine-month-old emotional support dog for four-year-old Dalex.

His family explained that Dalex has autism and does not speak, but he is able to call for his dog. Dalex depends on Mahia for comfort and stability.

“He used to go to sleep with him, and he was always playing with her, and they would go everywhere with her, and it was something emotional for him,” said Magdalena Olivares, a friend and neighbor of the La Puerta family.

The family said they last saw their beloved pet on Dec. 22, 2025, on Indiana Avenue. Surveillance video shows a man with Mahia walking nearby before he picks her up and takes her to his car.

“So I guess when she opened the door, and they were outside, and when they went back in, they called her in. But I guess she went in and came right back out and they didn’t realize she was out here,” said Olivares.

Mahia does not have a tag, and the family said they do not recognize the man in the video.

Police confirmed to NBC10 that they are handling the case and are investigating Mahia’s disappearance.

There is now a $2,500 reward for Mahia’s safe return.