Thief walks off with deaf puppy from Humane Society kennel
Update: Stolen puppy returned to the Humane Society of Huron Valley
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Chilly, a bulldog pup that was born deaf, disappeared from her kennel late Friday afternoon.
Chilly, an 8-week-old American bulldog, disappeared from her kennel between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Humane Society’s headquarters in Superior Township.
“It’s feasible to think of somebody shoving her up inside their coat and walking out the front door,” said Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV executive director.
Chilly was being treated for an infection and was not yet ready for adoption.
“She’s a beautiful little girl,” Hilgendorf said. “Somebody might be trying to make some money off her.”
Typical reasons a dog might be stolen are the desire to save money on adoption costs or to be sold to another party. Some are also sold for research purposes.
The shelter was experiencing a busy afternoon, with many animals going out for adoption, and the staff was preoccupied when the incident occurred. The fact that Chilly is “a calm and quiet” pup abetted the abductor in making a getaway.
Hilgendorf said dogs with all-white coloring have an inordinate genetic tendency to be deaf.
The shelter staff is hoping that Chilly’s whereabouts will be revealed after word of the incident spreads.
The combination of her deafness, illness and youth make her particularly vulnerable, according to Hilgendorf. Compounding the worry is the fact that Chilly has very little fur and is possibly being kept outside.
“We just want to know that she’s safe,” Hilgendorf said.
A $500 reward is offered for Chilly’s safe return.
Comments
justaposter
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 10:45 a.m.
http://bit.ly/7RtzVe Chilly was returned last night.
justaposter
Tue, Dec 22, 2009 : 10:28 a.m.
Chilly has been returned!
daved
Mon, Dec 21, 2009 : 1:06 p.m.
Share this post with everyone you know on your email, facebook etc, snap a picture of the pic online with your phone (like the commercial, but this one is stolen). Lets get this dog back!
a2gerry
Mon, Dec 21, 2009 : 9 a.m.
What a terrible thing to do to Chilly. Puppies need to be cared for. Especially one with such special needs. I'm a huge dog lover and find this act horrible. Too bad the so called writer can't leave his personal biasis out of the article. ("Some are also sold for research purposes.") Research animals are only allowed, at the U of M or other universities, from certified suppliers. Getting certified does not include stealing inocent puppies. I guess this is what you have to deal with when you move away from a real trained journalism with editorial supervision, to someone trainned in blogging.
LaMusica
Sun, Dec 20, 2009 : 7:28 p.m.
I think what makes me the most sad about this is that the person who took her may not know about her special needs. It's a good point bunny brought up...if they ARE an animal lover, they may decide to get rid of her if they don't know she's deaf and just think she's dumb. Sigh...I hope she can get back to the shelter...AA.com, please print a follow up article if the details become available!
bunnyabbot
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 10:16 p.m.
yes, my suggestion about the cameras would be to see who was near the cages or even entering and exiting the building. Seems like a good idea anyway incase the place was broken into or robbed. (or broken into for pet drugs or something) I am assuming children need to be with an adult, how about an adult sign in and sign out? photocopy a license, I don't know. was there a note on the cage that said deaf puppy? did these people know the puppy was deaf, or will they get it home and then dump the puppy somewhere thinking it is a stupid puppy? as someone else said, if you can't afford the adoption fee, you can't afford the puppy. That and stealing a puppy show these people would be irresponsible with the dog. wasn't there a puppy stolen from an Ypsi petstore this past summer? maybe in august if I remember correctly?
Indicat
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 8:03 p.m.
If a person can't afford the adoption fee, they can't afford the puppy. Pets have needs....food, vet bills, licensing, toys. I just hope it is an animal lover who took Chilly, and takes good care of him. Better yet, the person should return him to the Humane Society so he can get the proper care until he is able to be adopted.
Quercus Alba
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 7:11 p.m.
I hope that whoever took this puppy had only the best intentions, and is simply an animal lover without enough money for the adoption fee.
tommy_t
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 4:58 p.m.
Sick puppy steals sick puppy. If caught, hopefully a very large and heavy law book will find its' mark upside their twisted skulls and serve as medication for what ails them.
Indicat
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 4:20 p.m.
I do hope little Chilly is found safe and sound, and that the heartless individual responsible is caught and punished. Cameras might show who was hanging around the puppy's cage. You would think cameras would not be necessary at the Humane Society, but apparently they are.
goodthoughts
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 3:05 p.m.
Oh this is so sad and disturbing-I hope chilly is found safe and sound and whomever took him gets the punishment they deserve.
lumberg48108
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 2:59 p.m.
What good would a camera have done if the dog was inside someones large winter coat? The HSHV spends its funds on its facilties and its residents - it should not need video cameras for security - this is a people issue... not a secrity issue.
ypsigirl
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 2:55 p.m.
How could someone be so heartless? I cannot believe there are not camera watching for just such things. I hope Chilly is recovered safe and sound. These dogs cannot protect themselves on the street if the person decides to dump her. I will pray for her safe return.
bunnyabbot
Sat, Dec 19, 2009 : 2:30 p.m.
ahh, this is so sad, people are so horrible! perhaps it's time that people have to be checked before exiting the building. Maybe its also time to install video cameras in the new building.