FORT MILL, S.C. -- A man is grieving the loss of his emotional support dog after she was shot and killed.

• Justin Balducci says his dog, Willie Mae, was shot.
• Balducci said his mom let the three family dogs out Friday night.
• When Willie Mae didn't return home, they went looking and found her in a ditch with a gunshot wound.

Justin Balducci says his dog, Willie Mae, was shot and now he's looking for the person responsible.

Balducci said his mom let the three family dogs out Friday night.

When Willie Mae didn't return home, they went looking and found her in a ditch with a gunshot wound.

Now Balducci is working to fill the hole left in his heart and figure out who could have hurt such an innocent animal.

The York County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information to come forward.