Imagine being kidnapped from your house and flown to another nation 2,000 kilometers away. Teddy, a tiny poodle that was taken and smuggled across the border, was one such dog who, months later, was reunited with his family.
Learn about Teddy’s incredible trip and the individuals that aided in his return home:
Alaina Tripp of Ottawa, Canada was saddened in September of last year when her 5-month-old poodle, Teddy, was taken from her while she was at work. She left flyers, called the police, and offered a reward for the dog’s safe return, but he didn’t turn up.
When the owner found out from the police that the dognapper had fled from Canada to the US with Teddy in tow, she received even worse news. A video released by the Riverton Police Department seems to show Teddy’s permanent disappearance.
However, 2,000 miles away and ten months later, authorities received an unexpected tip that helped them save Teddy. The dognapper, Paul Sheehan, 50, was stopped by authorities in Riverton, Wyoming, for running a red light.
Officers saw the dog on Sheehan’s lap and found out he had an outstanding non-extraditable warrant out of Canada related to allegations he had stolen a puppy, according to Cowboy State Daily. Methamphetamine was also found by the authorities within the car.
Teddy was placed under police custody. The owner of the dog was shocked by the sudden development. Alaina Tripp told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, “I’m absolutely astonished how one traffic stop in one small town comes about.” Officer Don stopped Sheehan after he ran one red light, and that marked the start and conclusion of an amazing tale.
Teddy was placed in the custody of the Riverton Police Department until they could make arrangements for his return home, as the local shelter was closed. Captain Romero of the department may be seen playing with the content dog in the video:
To help Teddy return home, the neighborhood rallied around him. GoFundMe helped raise thousands of dollars, and when the plans came together, Teddy was finally heading home.
The Riverton Police Department reports that he left Denver on August 8 and arrived in Toronto the following day. The department tweeted, “This little dog has had quite the ordeal, but he is thriving.”
After all this time, Tripp was overjoyed to have her now-15-year-old puppy back, and she expressed her gratitude to the community for making it possible. She told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, “The world needs to know that there are still good people in it, and Riverton seems to be a town full of such good people.”
What a miracle! We are so happy that Teddy is at last safe and sound at home! If you are a dog lover, please share this wonderful news!