really, who steals someone's dog?
Rash of dognappings puts pet owners on high alert: Yorkie the latest swipedright from owner
Seriously, what's happening here? This week, Houston finds itself in the midst of its third high-profile dognapping case this February after Maggie, a Teacup Yorkie, was swiped from her owner at a Midtown bar.
Joined by her two-pound animal companion, Keri Gharagouzloo was spending a relaxing afternoon at Celtic Gardens on Louisiana Street when a woman at a nearby table asked to hold her dog.
"[People] ask to hold her all of the time because she is small," Gharagouzloo told KPRC Ch. 2. "I usually say no problem with that." In a matter of moments, though, she turned to find the woman and her dog had disappeared.
With two of three resolved dognapping cases, there is still hope for Toby so keep your eyes peeled for a white nine-pound Shih-poo with black fur on his head and shoulder.
As the bizarre story made its way through local news organization, an Austin man instantly recognized Maggie as his friend's mysterious new Yorkie. The man confronted his friend and Maggie made her way back to Houston.
Hannah and Wes Covington of northwest Houston faced a similar dilemma after their three-year-old Boxer named Charlie was stolen during a burglary in early February. After wandering the area for several days, the dog was spotted by a woman in a nearby subdivision. Charlie was found hungry and thirsty, but ultimately unscathed after his dognapping.
But, not all missing canines have been as lucky.
More than a week after his abduction at knife point, the Shih-Tzu poodle mix named Toby remains missing. Owners Marty Hrachovy and Darin Carey have had a numerous leads but no positive identifications.
"We're continuing to visit shelters all over town in addition to posting signs," Hrachovy told CultureMap. "Right now we're offering a $500 reward for Toby's safe return."
With two of three resolved dognapping cases, there is still hope for Toby so keep your eyes peeled for a white nine-pound Shih-poo with black fur on his head and shoulder.
Marty Hrachovy is asking anyone with information to text or send photos to 281-387-8479. Click here for details and pictures.