Early on the morning of July 7th, 2023, a therapy dog in training named "Buddy" was heartlessly snatched from downtown San Rafael, leaving the local community devastated and pleading for help in finding the missing pup, but they aren't giving up hope yet, as they continue to fight for Buddy's safe return home, according to a San Rafael Police Department Twitter post. Buddy, a Cavalier Poodle mix weighing 12 lbs and easily recognizable by his white curly hair and brown spots, was last seen at the area of 1000 Fourth Street, wearing a green collar. The San Rafael Police Department requests any information on Buddy's whereabouts be reported to their department.
Help bring “Buddy” home!
— San Rafael Police Department (@SanRafaelPolice) July 8, 2023
“Buddy” is a therapy dog in training for a local non-profit. He was stolen on 7/7/‘23 from the area of 1000 Fourth St. in downtown San Rafael. He’s Cavalier Poodle mix, 12 lbs, white short curly hair and brown spots, w/green collar. Any info call SRPD pic.twitter.com/YeF13rM317
According to a tweet by Henry K. Lee of KTVU, two women played with Buddy while he was tied to a flagpole near Fourth & A in downtown San Rafael before hurriedly leaving with the therapy dog. The victim, who wishes to remain unidentified, was in complete disbelief, exclaiming to Lee, "I don't understand why people would do something like that. I can't make sense of it all."
2 women ran off w/Buddy, a Cavapoo therapy dog that was tied to flagpole at bank near 4th & A in downtown San Rafael, after playing with him. “I don’t understand why people would do something like that,” victim tells me. “I can’t make sense of it all.” @SanRafaelPolice on case pic.twitter.com/GAe9WMNouq
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) July 8, 2023
This devastating event echoes the unfortunate smash-and-grab incident involving the theft of a French bulldog named Boba in Oakland just a couple of months prior. In this case, owner Toya Zheng had parked momentarily in Jack London Square, and within two minutes of leaving her Tesla, she returned to find the window shattered and Boba snatched. Thankfully, a few weeks later, Boba was abandoned at a dog park in Antioch, found by a good samaritan who then helped reunite her with her plagued owner in an emotional reunion. One can only hope for a similar resolution for the hapless Buddy.
Although Buddy's theft doesn't involve the more aggressive tactics seen with the series of French bulldog thefts in the Bay Area, it serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of our treasured pets, as we try to understand why would people commit such heartless acts against these adorable companions and the trauma these situations inflict on the owners.
In light of these recent events, it would be wise to consider taking precautions and be extra vigilant in safeguarding our precious furry friends while in public spaces, as we hope for Buddy's safe return.
