$1,000 reward offered for Lucy Sparkles, missing kangaroo who hopped away on Thanksgiving

SHAWNEE, Okla. - Somewhere out there, shielded by the thick, wind-whipped brush, is Shayla Menhusen's missing pet.

"It's like finding a small toddler," Menhusen said. "It's like a needle in a haystack. We are walking, hoping we can spook her up, find her or hear her."

This is not your ordinary cat or dog; the family is looking for their runaway kangaroo, "Lucy Sparkles."

She disappeared Thanksgiving day amid the frenzy of holiday guests.

The family is desperate to retrieve their runaway roo.

They've passed out fliers and launched a Facebook page: " Bring Lucy Sparkles Home ."

They've even been bouncing some ideas off a pet psychic.

So far, the only credible sighting came Saturday evening. Two men are confident they spotted Lucy Sparkles near Hiwassee and I-240, about 20 miles west of Shawnee.

"I know we have coyotes, big cats. I'm guessing she's being chased," Menhusen said. "That's why she's running so far."

Lucy is capable of surviving Oklahoma's fickle weather but the baby "Joey" prefers a more nurturing environment.

Shayla said Lucy poses no threat and is a sucker for a warm cloth pouch and cheese-flavored snacks.

"She loves Cheetos," Menhusen said. "Cheetos would be a great way to get her to come to you. Just squat down and call her like a dog."

Whoever brings Lucy Sparkles back home will earn the appreciation of a heartbroken family and a $1,000 reward.

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