HOUSTON -- A northwest Houston family is offering a reward for the return of its miniature horse, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

Rubi Abrego said her 2-year-old miniature horse stallion was stolen over the weekend. The Abrego's kept Coco in at Bingle Stable in northwest Houston.

Abrego said she and her 4-year-old son visited Coco every day, but when they went to see him Saturday, he was gone.

"We wanted to cry," said Abrego. "It was so sad, you know, because it's not just a horse, it's not just a pet, it's part of our family."

Police are investigating the crime as livestock theft but there are no suspects in the case.

The Abrego's believe the thieves jumped into Coco's stable and carried him out. Mrs. Abrego said the horse only weighs 200 pounds and can be carried by two people.

Karen Allen, the assistant manager to the stable, said they haven't had a theft in four years.

Allen said the gates are kept locked, but one narrow walkway is always open.

The walkway is usually not a problem because it is too narrow for a large horse to come through. However the miniature horse could easily fit.

What makes it especially hard on the Abrego's is that Coco needed kneecap surgery. It is painful for Coco to walk, and the surgery needed to be completed soon before his condition worsens.

Coco is a white miniature stallion with brown spots.

Anyone with information is asked to call HPD at 713-222-3131.