Don't mess with Pet City

A dognapping with a happy ending: Cameras catch a family of robbers in brazenbulldog case

Thanks to several tips, Harris County police recovered the dog and returned itto the store on Monday.
Courtesy photo
Along with a pair of male suspects, a woman and her two daughters stole a $3,000bulldog puppy from Pet City in north Houston.
The two men ran from the store and hopped into a getaway car driven by themother.

It was a family affair for a team of dognappers who put their kids to work to steal a $3,000 English bulldog from a north Houston pet store on Sunday. Thanks to the foresight of the crafty owners at Pet City Houston, however, the puppy has been returned without a scratch.

"We just got her back," manager Samantha Stack told CultureMap Monday. "She's eating right now, although we're unsure how much food she's had since yesterday, or if she ate at all."

Stack said a mother with her two daughters walked into the store, accompanied by two other men, and asked to see the two-month-old pup. Another customer, who had inquired about the dog earlier in the day, arrived moments later as the family played with the animal.

"I tried to chase them, but there was no hope as they drove away" Samantha Stack said. "I called the cops and they starte d going through our video footage right away."

"The mom and kids left the two men with the dog and walked out to the parking lot," she said. "At that point, the second customer said he'd definitely take the bulldog if they weren't interested."

Moments later the two male suspects ran towards the door with the dog, hopping into the car the mother has backed up to the front of the store.

"I tried to chase them, but there was no hope as they drove away. I called the cops and they started going through our video footage right away."

Surveillance images from the store's 40 high-definition cameras gave a clear shot of each suspect. After the videos were broadcast on the evening news, Harris County police followed several tips to the Bristol Place apartments just north of Beltway 8. Law enforcement found the puppy hidden under a pile of clothes and took the woman and another man into custody.

"It's not so much about the money when something like this happens," Stack said. "We work very hard to make sure our animals go to good homes and we want to make sure they get proper care. We're so happy the dog's with us again."

Not the first time

Pet City is no stranger to animal theft. In recent years, one man went so far as to pull the security bars off the front of the store with his car — all in an effort to nab three bulldogs. Surveillance videos shown on local news outlets once again led to the culprit's arrest, but, sadly, the dogs had already made their way to the black market.

Stack said that high-price dogs appear to be the most popular target for animal thefts, but not always . . .

"This guy stole a six-inch tortoise once," she remembered. "We had him on film breaking into the glass cage and walking out of the store. He looked right into the camera and gave the peace sign."

Pet City posted the man's image on Facebook and he was arrested within days too.

Watch KHOU's report on the case:

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Running With the Pack

Miles, smiles, and tails take over Memorial Park Thursdays with the Houston SPCA Run Club

Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

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As Houston enjoys some of its most beautiful spring weather, the Houston SPCA Run Club offers a meaningful way to spend a Thursday evening at Memorial Park.

Meeting each week at 6:15 pm near the Runner’s Stretching Deck, the Houston SPCA Run Club welcomes walkers, joggers, and runners of all levels for the park’s popular 3-Mile Loop, which begins promptly at 6:30 pm.

What sets this run club apart is its mission-driven spirit. Participants can bring their own dogs or spend time with adoptable pets brought by the Houston SPCA, creating a uniquely Houston blend of fitness, community, and animal connection.

Whether someone is training for a race, easing out of the workday, or simply looking for an active social outlet, the club offers an easy, relaxed way to engage.

For many participants, that commitment extends beyond Thursday nights. A number of runners also support Houston SPCA through the Chevron Houston Marathon’s Run for a Reason program, turning miles logged into life-saving support for animals in need.

And who knows? You may just fall in love with an adoptable dog and give him or her the forever home they've been waiting for. The Houston SPCA works tirelessly to match eligible pets with owners, including good-natured dogs like Tobias, who was recently adopted by a loving family.

Meet dogs like Tobias (recently adopted) at the Houston SPCA Run Club.Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

So, lace up and leash up, every Thursday evening! The Houston SPCA team will have water bowls available to help keep your pup hydrated.

Join the Houston SPCA Run Club, and if you meet your match, celebrate the unconditional love of a rescue animal by adopting. To learn more about the Houston SPCA and its mission, visit HoustonSPCA.org.