SHAWNEE, Kan. -- When a Kansas woman lost her pet parrot last month, she thought she'd never see it again. That was until someone called her home, offering to return the bird in exchange for sex.

Now, police are seeking charges against the alleged caller.

"Losing Reggie is the most devastating thing to happen to me in my life because we love him so much," the bird's owner said.

The woman said she lost her Eclectus parrot on June 2. She started posting signs soon after the bird flew away from her home. She also placed an ad in a newspaper classifieds section.

This week, a man called the bird owner's home three times, and then she called police.

"Initially (the caller) offered her to bring the bird back for cash. And when she gave him a figure, he said that wasn't enough," police Sgt. Dan Tennis said. "(He) called back again, she raised the price of the reward. Again, that wasn't enough, and he asked for sex."

The woman said the bird, which cost her about $1,000 last year, is an important member of her family.

Authorities on Wednesday arrested a man they believe is responsible for the calls. Tennis said the alleged caller could face several charges, including theft of lost or mislaid property, harassment by phone and promoting prostitution.

Police said the man they arrested did not have the bird.

But the bird's owner said she still hopes her beloved animal might be returned.

"We just pray every day somebody will call us and tell us they have our Reggie, and we can bring him back home," she said.