A missing dog can drive a pet owner crazy, but what’s even worse is when it got stolen right in front of your eyes.
That’s exactly what happened to a Cleveland, Ohio mom, Alaina Yantko.
A planned robbery.
It was a Saturday afternoon when Alaina pulled over at West 52nd and Franklin on Cleveland’s west side. According to her, she stopped at a local deli to drop off some food for her husband.
Alaina told FOX 8 in an interview:
“I was just trying to get the kids in the store and I was going to come back out to get my purse and something else I had brought for my husband.”
She was getting the kids out of the van when another car pulls up beside her.
When she’s about to get her purse in her car, an unknown man steps out of the other car and starts grabbing Alaina’s valuables.
Alaina became a fearless mom in hot pursuit.
The security camera footage also shows Alaina chasing after the robber’s car while carrying one of her babies on the side. She was able to get the car’s plate number, however, it turned out the vehicle was also stolen.
According to her, there were 4 people in the vehicle but she was only able to see the driver.
They also took poor Lucy.
She is a Shorkie (Shitzu-Yorkie mix) and she’s an important part of their family. The family was heartbroken, especially Selena Hassan, Alaina’s daughter, and Lucy’s big sister.
Selena told 19 News:
“Because I love her, she is my best girl. Give my Lucy back. I really love her. I really miss her a lot.”
The power of social media.
Alaina also sought help online by posting the incident along with Lucy’s pictures on a Facebook post:
“I was watched and targeted as I was getting my kids out of the car! They stole my dog in a split second while I was preoccupied!”
After all, the internet is a very powerful tool when it comes to searches. So she didn’t think twice about sharing the tragic story online.
She wanted people to know about their missing dog. It’s also her way of reminding people to be vigilant of their surroundings.
They only cared about having Lucy back.
There’s nothing more valuable than their dog, she’s a family member and not just a furry pet at home.
“The phone, the money, the purse, none of it matters. We just want our dog back,” Alaine said.
In the spirit of the Holiday season, a miracle happened. Lucy returned home!
It was just in time for the season, the family was once again complete. Alaina said there was a lady on Facebook who was trying to get in touch with her and told her she might have their dog.
The unknown woman then sent photos of Lucy and the family confirmed it was her.
They then agreed to meet at the Cleveland Police Second District headquarters. Although the woman didn’t explain how the dog ended up in her possession, Alaina still rushed in to bring their missing dog home.
The police then arrested three men but none of them matched Alaina’s description. The authorities also said none of them gave any information about the car or Lucy.
Home for the Holidays.
On behalf of her family, Alaina took to social media to extend their appreciation and thanks to all the people who went above and beyond in bringing Lucy home.
“Everyone has a hand in bringing Lucy home and its nice to have a happy ending! Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas from our family to yours! Please be vigilant to what and who is around you and stay safe! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart…Lucy is our “best girl” and we’re grateful she’s home!”
This story teaches us a lot of lessons and we are all happy that Lucy is once again living a beautiful and happy life with her loving family, especially her big sister Selena.
View the security footage below!
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