PORTLAND, Ore. — A stolen puppy is safe and sound after the police and Portland community joined together to help find her, the Oregon Humane Society reports.
Fireball, a 9-week-old lab/pitbull mix puppy, was stolen from the OHS NE Columbia Blvd shelter around 7 p.m. on Monday.
The OHS released security footage of four people entering the shelter. One of the suspects is seen entering the kennels, opening Fireball’s cage, and stuffing the puppy under his shirt before running out of the facility. A $500 reward was offered for tips leading to the safe return of Fireball.
Shortly before 9 p.m. on Tuesday the OHS announced the puppy had been returned to the shelter.
“We are so grateful to the Portland Police Bureau for their help in getting her back to us,” said an OHS spokesperson. “We also appreciate all the tips we received from the public.”
The Portland Police Bureau later clarified that the thieves had been teenagers, and the parent of one of the teens had called police and facilitated the return of the puppy.
Police say the investigation is continuing, and at this point no charges have been referred to the juvenile justice court.