A dog that is very important to a Modesto dementia patient and her husband escaped from a Ceres home and a reward is being offered to help them return the dog.

Henry Archuletta of Modesto said the dog, Fonzie, a mixture of Chihuahua and Pomeranian breeds, escaped from a friend's house near Herndon and Whitmore avenues on July 28. The friend had been caring for the dog for a few days when it took off running. Archuletta said the dog is "everything" to his wife, Mary Wiemiller, 83, of Modesto.

"He ran from Ceres to go look for her," said Archuletta. "He protects her. He will not sleep unless she's touching him. I don't know what he's doing now."

At least one person spotted Fonzie from a wanted poster and called in but it took off running before anyone could corral him.

"He won't let anyone pick him up. He's just running but I'm certain he's not dead. The dog knows how to get across a street. He's not stupid."

A $800 reward has been offered to the person who aids in his return. Anyone who has seen the dog may contact Archuletta at 818-5459.