UPDATE 2/17 (WFXR) — The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has arrested and charged the owner of Colby and Caleb, Terry Michel, on Feb. 17. As a result, the Franklin County Humane Society Planned Pethood and Adoption Center has canceled the vigil for Feb. 18.

The humane society released this statement on Facebook:

Due to the recent events and arrest of Terry Michel we are canceling the candle light vigil set for February 18th. We ask that you light a candle tomorrow for Colby, Caleb, and their Mom.

Rhonda is in a profound state of grief but is thankful for the community support.

Let’s remember this horrific event brought us all together as a united force. We believe the power of good was underestimated,”

Franklin County Humane Society Planned Pethood and Adoption Center


FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — After a week of searching for two stolen black Labrador Retrievers, Colby and Caleb, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and Animal Control found both dogs dead on Feb. 14.

Colby and Caleb were reported stolen from Waid Park on Feb. 7. During the investigation, the Franklin County Humane Society Planned Pethood and Adoption Center alerted the public that both dogs got away from their owner after chasing a squirrel. Witnesses from the park say they noticed two Hispanic males luring the dogs into a white Jeep Cherokee.

Around 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control responded to the 500 block of Carolina Springs Road for a call of two dead black Labradors on the side of the road. When authorities arrived, they identified both dogs as Colby and Caleb. They were taken to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech for further examination and to determine a cause of death.

The humane society is hosting a candlelight vigil on Saturday, Feb. 18, for Colby and Caleb. The vigil is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Waid Park.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and is asking anyone with information to call 540-438-3000. WFXR news will update this story as information is released.