Kyro, a four month old Italian Mastiff and Nymeria, a three month old German Shepherd were taken from the family's Market St home in West Tamworth leaving her children devastated including her 13-year-old son who has Aspergers.

Jessica Toole had not long finished work and put her children to bed when the drama unfolded about 9.30pm.

"I heard one of the dog bowls get knocked over and I thought they were just playing, but then our maltese terrier was standing at our fence and going off his head," she said. "There was a car around the corner and I saw its headlights go on all of a sudden and it did a u-turn and it just took off quickly.

"I was straight on the phone to the police and my friend who was over jumped in her car and tried to find them. They took off that quickly we didn't see (what kind of) car."

Miss Toole believes the theft was targeted as three people were recently seen coaxing the dogs to the fence.

"I had looked into shutting off part of the yard, but that wouldn't have mattered, they came into the yard while we were home.They have not only taken our family members from us but they came onto our property. I am absolutely shattered but we have also lost our sense of security."

Miss Toole said she was concerned the placid dogs could be used for dog fighting. What makes matters worse is Nymeria, the German Shepherd is yet to have her third vaccination for the Parvo Virus. The family is offering a reward for the safe return of the dogs.

"My older son had two great grandparents who have passed away in two weeks and this is absolutely shattering, he has already gone through a hard time," she said.

"We think someone in town has taken them and I don't know what their plans are for them, I am offering a reward for them to come home safely - I don't care how they come home, even if they are dropped off to a vet anonymously, we just want them home."