Reporter: Jeremy Mills
Bedford Co., VA - An 11-year-old girl says she cries herself to sleep every night since seven of her pet goats disappeared this week.
Someone took them from a farm in the Goodview area of Bedford County.
Where most people might just see farm animals, they tell us these goats are members of their family. They've had them for four years and they can't bear to think what might be happening to them now.
The once crowded goat pen remains empty, after seven goats were stolen sometime Tuesday night.
Kathy Dean and her daughter Tara are devastated.
"I cried for almost a whole day solid cause I just can't believe they are gone," said Tara Dean.
The thieves left behind a shoe stuck in the mud and a pair of work gloves.
The Deans say the worst part is knowing the bad guys were likely looking for something to eat.
"We have been told that people are so desperate at this point for money and for food," Kathy said. "The statement that was made to me is that people will eat anything."
"I hope they're still alive but I don't know," Tara said.
In the meantime, they continue to check with area slaughterhouses and animal auctions, holding out hope they'll get their goats back.
"I try not to break down because the most important thing to me is finding them," Tara said.
Kathy says she's offering a reward for their return, if she could afford it, but all they can give now is a heartfelt appeal.
"Please don't hurt them, they are our family. They're like your children or your family. How would you feel if seven of your family members are missing," Kathy begged.
"If you have them, just bring them home," Tara added.
The stolen goats are worth up to $2,000.
There is an eighth goat that was able to get away from the thieves. They moved him to another pen because they say he's extremely depressed and still refuses to eat.
