Shaid Jackson, of Springvale, said she and partner Jacob Nolan could only watch as their ute was driven away with their beloved dogs still inside on Saturday.
The pair had just stepped through the front door of a friend’s house, in Omakau, to pay a New Year visit when they saw a man get into their truck, do a U-turn and head towards Ranfurly.
They were not even out of the truck "for more than f...... five minutes", Ms Jackson said.
"We got in the car and tried to chase him, but he was gone before we could even get down the road."
Members of the public had since spotted the ute, registration number JKG185, and sent them videos of it, the dogs believed to still be inside, which gave them hope the pets were still alive.
"They'll be hot and thirsty", Ms Jackson said.
"Since we've had sightings of them still in the back of the truck, we're just praying that they're alive."
Such an act was "unheard of" in the area, she said.
Neither of the pair had slept on Saturday night; most of it was spent driving around searching for signs of the dogs.
"We just want him to leave the dogs somewhere safe, even if it's on the side of the road and someone sees them and grabs them.
"Just leave the dogs somewhere — take the truck, we don't care about the truck.
"That's replaceable, but we can't replace our babies."
The dogs, 9-year-old huntaway-cross Jock and 5-year-old blue heeler Nala, were their "family".
"The dogs are everything to us."
Sergeant Regan Price, of Cromwell, confirmed the white Holden Colorado ute was stolen from Omakau about 1pm on Saturday.
The vehicle was the second to be stolen following a burglary in Alexandra earlier that day. The first vehicle was dumped in Omakau.
Police were seeking the public’s help to locate the vehicle, Sgt Price said.
"If you have witnessed the incident, have knowledge of the ute or dogs’ whereabouts, or have dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV footage in the Maniototo area that can assist, please get in touch."
In an update yesterday, a police spokesman said they were continuing to investigate the incident, including whether the offender was linked to other burglaries.
— Police, 105, online; or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote reference number 260103/4368.
