Dog's Disappearance & Death Touches Kennesaw Community

KENNESAW, GA -- A Cobb County family is mourning the loss of their mini schnauzer, whose picture circulated across Kennesaw's Facebook community when he recently disappeared.

Dexter was 11 years old and had been with his owners since he was 6 weeks old, according to the Kennesaw Police Department, who spread his story online.

The animal vanished after being last seen at Weeks Drive and Wade Green Road close to a Home Depot, Walgreens and a Starbucks coffee shop.

"He doesn't have his name tag on but has a blue collar and a Seresto flea collar. He is missing his front teeth and has stinky breath," the Kennesaw force posted.

Usually these kind of stories have a happy ending. Many on Facebook posted that they would help find the dog, but it wasn't to be.

On Thursday, Facebook followers got solemn news: Dexter had been found deceased.

"Very Sad update on Dexter. He was found by his parents, but he was deceased. Please keep the family in your thought and prayers," Kennesaw police reported.

A Facebook user who says that Dexter was theirs expressed gratitude for all the well wishes: "Thank you so much for helping get the word out about my sweet furbaby Dexter. You're kindness is so very much appreciated. My son and I are heartbroken but know he's running around happy in doggie heaven. We have so many wonderful memories with him that we'll never forget."

Image via Facebook / Kennesaw PD