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Search Intensifies For Missing Stevensville Woman

STEVENSVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- The search continues for a missing Kent Island woman who disappeared some time between Friday night and Saturday morning. Hours later, that woman's dog was found dead not far from her home.

Derek Valcourt has the latest from investigators.

Police now say it's possible it may just be a giant coincidence the dog died on the same day its owner disappeared.

For the third day in a row, no one has heard from 51-year-old Robin Pope. She and her Great Dane, Bella, disappeared from her estranged husband's Kent Island home early Saturday morning. Hours later, the dog was found dead on a nearby beach, leaving neighbors worried.

"We have kids here. We have other neighbors. Are they in trouble?" said neighbor Tony Bullard.

At first, police said the dog was found with trauma to its torso, leading to speculation that someone killed the dog and may have hurt Robin Pope. But now a vet who examined the dog's body says trauma was not a factor.

"The dog had some large tumors, which may have led police to think that there was some kind of swelling when it was found, but the dog did not die from any kind of external force or trauma," said Lt. Greg Shipley, Maryland State Police.

Adding to the mystery, police say Robin Pope's car was still parked in front of the house. Inside the car, they found her keys, purse, credit cards and cash.

On Sunday, divers and sonar searched for hours in the water near where the dog's body was found. Police are tracking leads and interviewing family members, including her estranged husband who reported her missing.

But for now, it's neighbors who are searching Kent Island on foot.

"If we have not found her by next Sunday, starting this week, we are going to organize a huge, huge search for her," said neighbor Debbie Shaw.

Neighbors say that search for Robin Pope would start at 9 a.m. Sunday. Meanwhile, vets are working to determine exactly how her dog died.

Pope is described as a white female, 5'4", 105 lbs. with brown hair.  Anyone with information is urged to contact Maryland State Police at the Centreville barrack. That number is 410-758-1101.

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