SACO — The owner of a German Shepard who was allegedly dognapped and murdered is offering a $5,000 reward for information that would lead to the conviction of the person who stole and killed the dog.

Uhdelle, a five-year-old German Shepherd owned by Doreen Metcalf who breeds dogs and boards horses at Timber Ridge farm in Saco near the Buxton border, went missing Monday morning after walking in the woods alongside Metcalf as she rode a horse on a trail ride.

Uhdelle was struck and killed Monday evening about 30 miles away in Gray, according to Saco police.

It wasn’t unusual for Uhdelle to wander off, but in the past she always remained close to home and she also wore a tracking collar, said police. According to information from the tracking collar, Uhdelle was taken from the area in a car, said police.

Metcalf posted on the farm’s Facebook page that it’s believed the person who kidnapped Uhdelle removed the tracking collar, tried to destroy it, and threw it in the Saco River, as that is what mapping information from the tracking device indicates.

Police from Saco and Buxton are working together to track the dog’s disappearance and collect information on who might be responsible for the alleged dognapping and killing of Uhdelle. Earlier this week, police asked those with any information about the incident to contact them.

Saco police can be reached at 284-4535, and Buxton police can be reached at 929-5151.

Timber Ridge farm is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who has information that will lead to the conviction of the person who stole and abandoned Uhdelle.

If no one comes forward, the money will be used for a scholarship fund to assist in the education and training of animal control officers and other animal first responders, according to the farm’s website. To donate to the fund, go to timberridgeshepherds.com.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].