Puppy stolen from pet store in Shakopee is returned

Star Tribune

Last update: August 19, 2009 - 9:19 PM

Print this story

More from Pet News

A 3-month-old dog taken Tuesday afternoon from a Shakopee pet store has been returned unharmed.

The black female pug had a "smile in her eyes" and ate a lot when store employees got her back Wednesday afternoon, said store owner Heather Latko.

A brother of one of the women who allegedly took the puppy from the store at 8091 Old Carriage Court arranged for his sister to meet a store employee in Eden Prairie after he learned about the theft. A video showing two women leaving the store with the dog was featured on local news media outlets.

"We care so much about the puppies," said Latko. "You think of the worst-case scenario: that it isn't getting enough food, or is stressed out and not getting the proper care, all the things we go over when a dog is going to a new home."

According to surveillance video, the suspects were seen stuffing the puppy into a medium-sized tote bag around 5 p.m. and dashing out the door. Store employees chased them, but the suspects were not found, Latko said.

Latko said the suspects had come into the store around 4:30 p.m. and had been playing with the pug in a cubicle called a "socialization room." The women asked a store employee about the dog's age, vaccination records and "information potential owners might want," Latko said. When the employee went to check the puppy's records, the suspects scooped her up and walked 10 to 15 feet to the front door.

Latko said she doesn't know whether she'll press charges.

TIM HARLOW

Recent Pet News stories

Poison left for squirrels was eaten by dog; what does law say? - August 19, 2009

Poison left for squirrels was eaten by dog; what does law say? - A reader writes: My dog was with me in the fenced yard when he came upon a detergent cap that was filled with peanut butter --and what turned out to be rat poison. More

DO I LOOK LIKE MY PET? - August 19, 2009

DO I LOOK LIKE MY PET? - If you and your pet(s) bear a striking resemblance, submit a photo. More