In an uplifting turn of events on Chicago’s North Side, a stolen dog has been happily reunited with its family, thanks to the efforts of some kind-hearted individuals.
According to ABC7, good Samaritans played a crucial role in locating the missing pet and bringing it back home on Sunday.
The dog, named Charlie, is a 5-year-old who went missing when his owner, Erin Franzblau, briefly tied him up outside a local day care center to pick up her children. Initially, Franzblau spoke to ABC7 on Saturday, expressing hope that surveillance footage might aid in discovering who took Charlie. Thankfully, the beloved pet is now back with his family.
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The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. on Friday in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, at the intersection of Armitage and Clifton avenues, as reported by the Chicago police.
“It was a hectic day,” Franzblau explained. “After a long day at work and with my husband away in Denver, I was left to collect three kids—two toddlers and a baby—on my own. In the rush, I tied Charlie outside the day care, right by a window where he was visible to everyone.”
However, when she returned, Charlie had vanished.
“Usually, he jumps up to greet us. He’s so excited to greet us, and we both see that he’s not there,” Franzblau said. “I start freaking out, asking people where he is.”
Franzblau says home surveillance video showed her dog with someone in a dark hoodie shortly after the pet was taken.
“She was asking people, ‘Whose dog is this? Whose dog is this?,’” Franzblau said. “She did unleash the dog, and take the dog, and walk west of Racine… “She was kind to him, but he was shaking.”
Charlie’s owners say they plan to give the man that found him a $5,000 reward.
Chicago police are still investigating the case.
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