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John Daley reportingFor one Utah man, this past Thanksgiving was a sad one.
Andy Erickson, Owner of Stolen Dog: "I was in shock for a while. It's kind of like losing a child or something you know. Full on kidnapping. Dognapping."
Some one broke into his car and stole his puppy. It appears to be part of a more widespread trend. Apparently the area of Sugarhouse where this happened - near 2300 S. Highland Drive - has seen a bunch of car break-ins. But this time the thieves zeroed in on a bell terrier puppy.
Andy Erickson, Dog Owner: "I didn't notice it until I was really close cause it was broken and everything came out clean."
To say Andy Erickson was surprised is an understatement.
Just a few months ago, he traveled to visit a breeder in North Carolina to get "Panda", an English Staffordshire bull terrier. The dog is a rare pup that cost him $1,200. Panda has been his constant companion at home and work.
Andy Erickson, Dog Owner: "Really playful, really good with people. Loved people. Great with kids."
Two nights ago, Erickson met friends at the Tap Room, a bar on 23rd S Highland near the Sugarhouse Theater. He came back out about 9:45.
Andy Erickson, Dog Owner: "We came outside and played with her for a minute and I put her back in the truck and said bye to my friends and walked across the street to the gas station and when I came back my window was smashed out and my dog was gone."
Shattered glass littered the curb. Nothing else was taken.
Folks who frequent and work at the bar say they've been exasperated by a rash of break-ins, often with random stuff stolen.
Stacey Adams, Friend: "Frustrated and scared. Like this is a nice neighborhood and there's no reason to be intimidated about parking or walking the streets or leaving late at night. But when that's happening during business hours, it's a bit frustrating and disturbing. It's nuts."
Justin Robertson, Friend: "I've lost golf clubs, random things like laundry, jackets and it doesn't make much sense."
Andy Erickson says he reported the dog-napping to police. Police told him sometimes thieves target well-bred dogs, and then later try to collect a reward. It's something he - like many dog owners - will gladly pay.
Andy Erickson, Dog Owner: "Yeah, I just want my dog back."
Today, we found out that Andy got his dog back this afternoon. Someone saw the flyer and called him. They said they had purchased "Panda" at Liberty Park yesterday. Andy gave the people who bought the dog $400. Now he's got his dog back.
