Metro woman says her dog was stolen from OKC Animal Shelter
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A metro woman is desperate to get her dog back after it was stolen from the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter two weeks ago.
Julie Valentine said when she went to bed her two dogs were outside behind the gate, however, when she woke up the gate was open and her dogs were missing.
"I still feel sad. I miss both of them really bad," said Valentine.
Valentine's dog, Blaze, is a Jack Russell mix and she said how he got out remains a mystery.
"I panicked. I panicked, I went and got car and drove all the neighborhoods around here looking for him," said Valentine.
Valentine got her first lead when she searched online and saw Blaze on the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare website.
"I was excited. I went up there to pay for him that day to get him out that day," said Valentine. "They wanted to give him all of his shots and neutering before I could take him."
Valentine was told to come pick up Blaze from the shelter the next Tuesday, but when she went to the animal shelter Blaze was once again missing.
"A few days later he called me back and said that they found out what happened. The same people that brought him in, went in there and took him," explained Valentine.
The animal shelter told News 4 understaffing is to blame.
"This was a particular day where no one was stationed at the front door," said Brienne Grayson with the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. "The people that took this dog were clever about it. They found a leash, they acted like they were supposed to try to get the dog outside."
Grayson said they are heartbroken that the dog was stolen while in their care.
"It's devastating to us to not be able to get a pet back to its owner," said Grayson.
Valentine said she is praying whoever took Blaze will bring him back.
"Please give my dog back, I want him. I miss him," said Valentine.
Oklahoma City Police said they are investigating this case and they do have video of the person who took the dog.
The animal shelter also said they are now making changes to make sure something like this doesn't happen.