MADISON, Wis. -- The search continued Wednesday for Amos Mortier, 27, who vanished a week ago from his Fitchburg home -- without his coat or wallet. Search parties and dog teams spent Tuesday and Wednesday combing cornfields and marshes near Lacey Road for any sign of him.

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The Search Is Still On For Missing Fitchburg Man

Police believe Mortier, an MATC student, left the house that he rents in a wooded area, a week ago Monday with his dog, Gnosis.

The dog was found wandering the area without its collar, News 3 reported.

Friends and family said Mortier was not depressed, and it's very unusual for him to have no contact with them. They also said he had no known enemies.

"It's very uncharacteristic for him not to have any contact with his friends or family, so that's why we're trying to locate him," said Fitchburg Lt. Jay Wilson.

When friends came to check on his welfare, the stereo was still on, his cars were parked and his door was unlocked, News 3 reported.

"It's like he just vanished," said friend Martin Frank, who has known Mortier for four years. "There's no sign of a struggle. I really don't think it's any kind of foul play, but we're still open to that possibility."

Friends describe Mortier as funny and laid-back. He was interested in organic farming and was a self-employed electrician.

He was last seen at MATC last week.

Police had hoped to do an aerial search, but weather did not permit that Tuesday. Instead, they searched the marshes and grassy areas near Mortier's home. Terrain was so rough, McFarland firefighters used an eight-wheel drive amphibious vehicle to get to areas unreachable by foot.

Mortier's mom urges anyone with knowledge to call Fitchburg police, who remain equally baffled about the mysterious disappearance.

Family and friends say more search team members are needed. Anyone wanting to help, or with information is asked to call Fitchburg Police at (608) 270-4300.

News 3 and Channel 3000 will have more on the search as it becomes available.