A 17-year-old girl got an unpleasant shock two weeks ago when she found an anonymous gift-wrapped package left on the doorsteps of her home. According to authorities, the box contained the severed head of Crystal Brown's 4-year-old Australian shepherd mix, Chevy, that went missing in February.

"This was extraordinarily heinous," Dale Bartlett, deputy manager of the Humane Society's for animal cruelty issues, said, according to AP. "I deal with hundreds and hundreds of cruelty cases each year. When I read about this case, it took my breath away. It's horrible."

The Humane Society has even announced a $2,500 reward for any information leading to the conviction of those responsible for beheading the dog.

According to Crystal, Chevy wandered away last month, and since then she had done every possible effort to find the canine, who she said was her best friend.

But late last month, Brown discovered a wrapped package on the porch. She found the dog's head inside.

"She was just hysterical," Crystal's grandmother, Shirley Brown, who lives with the teen, is quoted as saying in the Star Tribune of Minneapolis.

Authorities believe that the suspect probably knew the family; however, the motive behind the act is unclear. The case is under investigation.

Meanwhile, Brown has a new puppy, another Australian shepherd, whom she has named Diesel.