The tiny puppy snatched from a pet store in the Louis Joliet Mall Friday night has been returned safely, a store employee said Monday night.
Krista Zarbock, who works for the Furry Babies store, was the first to sound the alarm about the theft of the 2-month-old blue chihuahua, contacting media outlets on Saturday and posting a note and photos on the Joliet Patch Facebook page.
A subsequent story posted on Joliet Patch generated dozens of leads, Joliet Police Chief Mike Trafton said Monday.
Although the details of the 1.5-pound female dog's return weren't available from police Monday night, Zarbock posted this note on Joliet Patch's Facebook site at about 10 p.m. Monday:
"Our Chihuahua is safe!!! Thank you to the Joliet Police Department, NBC Channel 5, ABC 7 Chicago, Lost Dogs Illinois, Joliet and Plainfield Patch and all the wonderful people that helped share her story!!! Thank you to all of the amazing people that shared the video and pictures every day and everyone that was involved in bringing her back safely. I also want to thank the person that brought her back to us and did the right thing for the puppy!!! All the true dog lovers out there and the people who took the time out of their day to share the story with others, you are the reason she is now safe!!!! I cannot thank you enough!!!"
Joliet police could not be reached for comment Monday night. More information on the dog's return and if an arrest was made will be posted Tuesday.
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