Audrey hugs her dog Sugar Daddy. The Shih Tzu and his owner have been reunited.
DETROIT (WJBK) -
An 82-year-old woman was attacked and her dog stolen. Her family even offered a $5,000 reward for the dog's safe return, but it turned out money wasn't what they needed to track him down.
It is the reunion few thought would happen, but Audrey said she knew her seven-year-old Shih Tzu would find his way home.
Last Thursday, thieves waited for Audrey as she and her beloved pups Sugar Daddy and Baby Doll walked out of her Detroit home.
"I opened the door, and they slammed the door on my hand," she said.
Audrey ran inside. Surveillance footage from a neighbor's home captured some of the scene. Baby Doll bit the thieves and ran off, but Sugar Daddy wasn't so lucky.
"One of the guys jumped out, and they grabbed Sugar Daddy," said Audrey.
Her daughter sprang into action plastering signs all over the neighborhood offering a $1,000 reward, then $2,000 and finally $5,000 for Sugar Daddy's safe return -- a hefty amount to some, but to this family Sugar Daddy is priceless. Audrey said she was devastated.
"Unable to eat, not able to sleep or do anything," she explained.
However, it turns out they didn't have to spend a dime because Sugar Daddy was at the Michigan Humane Society almost the whole time.
"As far as we know, he came into us as a stray animal, but he was turned in and we scan every animal," said Anna Chrisman with MHS.
Since Sugar Daddy had a microchip, the Michigan Humane Society knew exactly where he belonged.
"The microchip is a form of permanent I. D. It never gets lost, and it's always with the dog," Chrisman said.
Audrey and her family believe the thieves were the ones who turned in Sugar Daddy, but they're not worried about prosecution. They are just glad he is home.
"If your pet ever gets lost or separated from you, the microchip is a sure fire way that we're going to be able to find you and track you down," said Chrisman.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:28 AM EDT2013-05-22 06:28:15 GMT
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
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Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:56 GMT
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:19:24 GMT
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:15 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:15:15 GMT
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:27 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:27:33 GMT
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:19:36 GMT
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:47 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:47:05 GMT
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.