Family searches for missing service dog

A north Georgia family is searching for a missing dog that is not just a pet but a valued member of the family. The Wilson family says their black lab, Lucy, is a service dog who not only helps a disabled family member but also is a constant companion.

For a week, Ashley Wilson has posted flyers and searched the woods for Lucy.

Wilson got Lucy for her father, Shane, after he lost a leg in a motorcycle accident. She's not just a pet but the family's service dog, helping Shane Wilson with his needs around the house and his office.

"He was very lonely at the time and just struggling with his disability and having a prosthetic leg, so I told my husband, ‘we need to do something.'  So the best thing I could think of was get him a dog because it's a companion that can be with him all the time to share in his sorrows and his joys as well," said Ashley Wilson.

"I fall down a lot, obviously, with this prosthetic and she'll come right up and gives me something to grab a hold of and get up.  She opens the door for me at the shop when I'm carrying stuff," said Shane Wilson.

A week ago, the dog jumped out of his truck near the Tanger Outlets in Commerce, leading family members to put out the word about this special dog.

"Got on the freeway, looked in the rear view, no Lucy.  I turned around immediately, I came back, started asking people. Nobody saw her," said Shane Wilson.

Now family members say neighbors told them they saw Lucy around a lake just outside of Commerce.  They've been focusing their search not just at the lake, but also at neighborhoods around it, asking anyone for information on this missing special dog.

"I can't get any work done, I can't keep my mind on the job," said Shane Wilson.

The family has set up a Facebook page to take in any leads to help them find Luck and say the public continues to send in their tips.

They've also offered a $500 reward for her return.