Authorities in Monmouth County are searching for a possible dog thief.

A 9-year-old tawny-colored male Pomeranian named Tub Tub was stolen from the SPCA's Eatontown facility Christmas Eve.

Staff realized the dog was missing when the adoptive owner came to take the animal home as a gift.

Tub Tub had arrived to the shelter from South Carolina about 10 days earlier.

Animal care team members at the shelter say they don’t recall this ever happening in the 70-year history of the SPCA.

All dogs at the shelter are microchipped. The Eatontown police have been informed and are working with the SPCA to find Tub Tub.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.