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June 29, 2011

These dogs have been FOUND. They are HOME SAFE AND SOUND … after ending up at a shelter near where they were taken. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you … to everyone who helped spread the news of their plight.

I hope to get details on their recovery, but in the meantime please celebrate tonight in honor of Cesar and Maya!!!

[Update 7 pm 7/1]

Original Posts and Updates below

Two men driving a black truck and an RV (traveling together) stole two adult dogs (Malamutes) Tuesday, June 28, 2011, from a Wal-Mart parking lot in Ukiah, California, (right near Highway 101). Important details and photos below! Please help spread the word via a social media blitz.

Police are already involved.

[These are not my dogs. They belong to a neighbor’s nephew. We’re just trying to help out.]

Lost Dogs – Malamutes

Maya –> Reddish-brown & white female
rambunctious/energetic; likes to run/play
***
Cesar –>Black & white male
mild mannered /calm /docile; very well trained
***
Both dogs are people-friendly, but unsafe with small animals.
***
$1,500 CASH REWARD if the dogs are returned unharmed with NO QUESTIONS ASKED.
***

Description and Details on Suspects from a press release provided to me by the family:

Several reports confirm that the Malamutes, Cesar and Maya, are traveling with a young male between the age of 18-24 years old.  His name is “Kyle,” and he was last seen wearing green pants with a “tail” attached.  He has blonde hair that may have recently been shaved or may be covered by a hat with long tassels covering his ears.  Kyle is believed to be temporarily residing in or near the Haight Street area of San Francisco.  He also may be traveling with a young man named, “Edwardo.” [Update 4:15 pm 7/1]

***

stolen dogs Ukiah California June 28, 2011 wal-mart parking lot
***
Latest Possible Sighting: San Francisco Panhandle Park Friday (7/1): Several credible reports of the dogs and the trucks used in the crimes in the Panhandle Park area in San Francisco. The dogs’ owner and several friends in route. The police have been notified, as has local animal control agents. [Update 11:45 am Fri 7/1]
***
Possible Sighting: San Francisco Neighborhoods Thursday (6/30): COLE VALLEY, chained in the back of a pickup; headed toward CASTRO DISTRICT, may also be in NOE VALLEY [Update 8:45 pm Thurs 6/30]
***
Possible Sighting: Petsmart in Santa Cruz suspects may have met a man in his 40s in the store on Wednesday (6/29). The dogs’ owner fears they may have already been sold. [Update 2 pm Thurs 6/30]
***
Confirmed Sighting : Credible sightings in park near Santa Rosa / Coddingtown (between Ukiah and San Francisco) Tuesday (6/28) after the theft in a park. Dogs appeared to be with two men (18-20 years old & possibly homeless) who cannot handle/control the dogs. There may have been an incident with a smaller dog getting injured. [Update 8:30 pm Weds 6/29]
***
Taken From : Wal-Mart Parking Lot in Ukiah, California
near interchange of Talmage Road (222) and Hwy 101
***
Dog Theft Suspects: Two men, with 2000’s black Nissan Frontier with an extra cab (truck) and an older RV, seen via parking lot surveillance video taking the dogs from their owner’s truck and driving away together. Video did NOT capture a good look at license plates. Check of other nearby video feeds in process.
***
Weather Conditions That Day: The high temperature that day in Ukiah was 64 degrees. The crime took place in the evening when it was closer to 60 degrees.
***
Possible Direction of Travel: Hwy 101 headed toward San Francisco, but the dogs could be anywhere in the region by now.
****

Contact With Sightings and Leads:
Dan Carlon, 605-645-6248

***
ACTION:
  • Please email this information to friends in the region.
  • Please help spread the word via social media.
  • Download and share these stolen dog fliers, if you live in the area

Stolen Dog Flier #1

Stolen Dog Flier #2

stolen dogs Ukiah California June 28, 2011 wal-mart parking lot
stolen dogs Ukiah California June 28, 2011 wal-mart parking lot
I’ll post update info and additional details as they become available.
About the Author Roxanne Hawn

Trained as a traditional journalist and based in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, I'm a full-time freelance writer for magazines, websites, and private clients. My areas of specialty include everything in the lifestyles arena, including health and home, personal finance and other consumer interests, relationships and trends, people and business profiles ... and, of course, all things pet related.

I don't just love dogs. I need them in my life. Seriously.

  1. I shared this all over facebook to my many friends in California and I am so relieved today that they are back home and safe!

    1. Thanks so much for checking back, Andie. Yes… we got the good news Friday, July 1. I’m actually posting an update, with what we know about how they were recovered on Monday, July 11. Thanks again for your help.

  2. I’m so glad these lovelies were found! I swear I saw those 2 dogs on 6/27 in Lakeport while I was visiting a friend.

  3. We want to THANK YOU everyone who helped in the effort to find Dan’s dogs. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, assistance and caring by so many people. It certainly made us believers in the effectiveness of the social networking systems. The story had a happy ending with Dan getting his two magnificant Malamutes back. We are so grateful to so many people who took time out of their busy lives to make a difference in ours. Thanks to All.
    Dan , Lindsey, Leah, Sheila, Pat and Barb

    1. Well, all hail the Carlon family. Your teamwork and commitment to this happy outcome is a lesson for us all. Have a terrific holiday weekend, knowing your BIG furry friends are home safe and sound.

    2. Well, all hail the Carlon family. Your teamwork and commitment to this happy outcome is a lesson for us all. Have a terrific holiday weekend, knowing your BIG furry friends are home safe and sound.

  4. So very relieved they are home! I wonder if the word spreading applied some pressure and they dumped the dogs? Will be interested to read the full story when you speak with the owner. I just knew that they could be found if word spread far and wide. Happy days!

    1. Thanks, Mel. Don’t know many details at this point, but that is one idea … that they saw and heard how much of a push there as to find these dogs, and when (on Friday) the family went public with detailed descriptions of the suspects (from witness accounts), they easily could have gotten scared and dumped the dogs back in the area they were taken … knowing that someone would recognize them, etc.

      Of course, the reporter in me wants to know how it really happened, but the HEADLINE is that they are home and they are safe.

  5. Met you at the park today – SOOOO happy you found them! I posted on facebook and someone just told me they were found – HOORAY!

  6. I heard that the dogs were found safe & sound. I got an email from the owner’s sister.

    1. Yep. I got that same note. I didn’t want to update the post until I knew FOR SURE these were the right dogs and that they were home and safe (blame the reporter in me).

  7. I hope the people that took them are caught but seriously…why bring your dogs to walmart and leave them in the car while you shop? WOuldn’t the be better off at home? Doesn’t make any sense…..I wouldn’t leave valuables in the car while I go shop.

    1. Hey, Dude. I get where you’re coming from. I do. A lot of people (including me) take dogs along while running errands (as the weather allows). Often for me, it’s a matter of us living in such a remote location that I combine dog and people errands when I do drive “into town.” Plus, sometimes, it’s just nice to have the dogs along.

    2. ^, exactly. Sometimes I’ll be driving my dog to the nature preserve that’s far away from my house but I need to stop at a store real quick to grab some water or something. Since they were at Walmart, I’m pretty sure it’s kind of clear they weren’t doing any hard shopping that would probably take hours. I’m glad these dogs were found. They definitely aren’t hard to miss! Beautiful dogs…I bet their owners are super happy.

  8. Just shot off a message with info to family in Bay Area and asked them to share with others. Word will spead. Gotta get them babies home! Paws crossed.

  9. I published of FB, and I’m sending an email to everyone I know with a pic of them off this website. I’ll do everything I can. I just hate knowing that there are dogs out there that get stolen.

  10. Posting everywhere I can and tweeting. I think that social networking can do a lot to spread the word. I might be in MN, but will pass on to those I know in CA!

  11. Thanks You for updating the sight with the new information. We had a quick text from Dan late last night that he was hanging flyers and talking to people in San Francisco. I stayed at the office late and faxed 30 some flyers to Police/Sheriff Departments with a cover letter down the 101 to LA.
    Hopefully something good will come his way today. Thanks for All Your Help. Barb

    1. Great work, Barb. I put a call into the local SPCA and got a contact name + number and the emergency animal control number for San Francisco. I’m hoping Dan can make contact and get some official help recovering his dogs … very, very soon.

  12. OMG. I’m sorry. We have mix husky/lab with same color too! They’re our everything. Can’t imagine how you’re feeling right now. Have few friends and family in the bay area so I will re-post. this on my Facebook. Goodluck, may. God guide them hope safely.

    -cherry from southern ca

  13. This is so awful. I really hope they get their dogs back. Good luck to them! I posted this on facebook. I hope it helps.

  14. I WILL POST THIS ON FACEBOOK! I PROMISE! I’LL POST IT TO ALL MY FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK! I WILL SPREAD THE WORD OUT! NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  15. sorry to hear this. they are beautiful! and I left my two chihuahuas in the car at a wal-mart no doubt, just today. I’d be DEVASTATED if anything happened to my little sister dogs Idgie and Fiona Applehead. I’ll post this on my facebook. Best wishes. Debbie

  16. My eyes and ears are open in Washington State. I pray for the safe and quick return of Maya and Cesar! I have a husky that was stolen by a homeless man for 4 days and didn’t think would be returned but she was. Don’t give up hope!

  17. Heading to Santa Cruz on Saturday, I will keep my eyes peeled. Also, If there’s something in the news about the two thieves bodies appearing on a beach… I have no clue what you’re talking about.

  18. You’re right, both of you. I did jump the gun, it was harsh, and I’m sorry for that. I’m also very sorry for the family who is probably suffering, as I know I would be if I lost my dogs. They’re like children to me. I will post this as many places as I can, and hope for their safe return.

  19. @Boston Jack – I’m sorry you feel so strongly as to request re-homing my brother’s dogs. I would like to clarify just a couple things for you, so maybe you won’t judge so harshly: the high that day in Ukiah was 64 degrees, this took place in the evening when it was closer to 60 degrees. It was not actually, as you said, a hot day. The dogs were left in the vehicle temporarily while my brother needed to run inside. During this time the theft took place, and was caught on the security cameras in Wal-Mart’s parking lot.

    We are doing everything we can think of to get them back home as part of our family. Thanks for all of the support and word-of-mouth spread. It’s helping!

    1. Thanks so much, Leah, for the details about time of day and temps. Know that all of us here at Chez Champion of My Heart are keeping the entire Carlon family in our hearts.

  20. Why would anyone leave beloved dogs unattended in a parking lot, and on a hot day? Owners need to take responsibility for this as well. Even if they are found, they should be re-homed to a more reliable owner.

    1. @Boston Jack … I’m sure the owners DO take responsibility for it. I’ve spoken with the family personally, and they are distraught. I totally get where you are coming from … and at the same time, I’m not one to kick someone while their down. Not my place to judge them. My role? To help any way I can.

    2. A dog is fine in a car for a short run to the store. My dog prefers to come with me because she is anxious and would just freaks out at home because her previous owners had abandoned her…
      Maybe you shouldn’t jump to conclusions and broaden your mind a little.

  21. I’m so sorry! I would be so sad if my doggies were stolen! I’ll pray for safe return of Maya and Cesar! I have posted this on facebook to my Cali friends. 🙁

  22. Thank you SO MUCH everyone for sharing the information. Our best tool right now is word of mouth spread so there are more people looking for them. Very much appreciated!!

  23. Just posted this on facebook, if everyone can do the same (who has facebook) I think it will help.

    If, or I should say when, the dogs are found please let us all know. Till then lets go viral on facebook with this.

    Lynn

  24. I am just heart sick over this! I do internet marketing for a living. If there is anything I can do to help, PLEASE let me know.

    I could totally see this happening with my Husky. If a car door is open, she’ll hop in. I often say her motto is “Su casa es mi casa.” For better or worse, they know no strangers.

  25. My heart is with you and your beautiful mals. My eyes are wide open in Paradise and anywhere I go. I hope the internet can be a tool to make everyone aware. They are in my prayers as well. Love to you and yours, Lynn

  26. You should add a Twitter link at the top of the page along with the facebook link. You’ll reach more people that way.

  27. That is scary and so sad. I pray they are found safe and sound. Posted on fb…..please post on twitter for more exposure. Keep us all up-to-date. Prayers.

  28. How sad! Good luck in your search, and I’ll say a prayer that they are returned safely.

  29. Shared via FB…my heart goes out to you and I pray they return home safely and soon.

  30. Tell the owners not to forget to post to Craig’s List and look for posting on Craig’s List!

    1. I believe they did that, Living Large. That’s how they got the confirmed sighting in Santa Rosa … someone saw the dogs and later saw the photos, etc. and realized = same dogs.

  31. Fidofinder.com helped me a lot with my lost dog
    I hope you find your doggies

  32. So scary, heard about it through the rescue we adopted our malamutes from. We’re in CO with connections everywhere. I posted it to facebook. I really hope these pups are found soon. I often run into a store with our mals in the car or in the camper shell of the truck and scares me to think it could be me looking for my dogs.

    @Alexandra – I don’t know anything about these dogs, but my guess is that the malamutes were friendly and just went with the dognappers. Our two mals would go and say hi to anyone.. and would probably jump in anyone’s car for a bit of attention and/or a tasty treat.

  33. We lost our Mal a few years ago. Mals are near and dear to our hearts. (As well as all life, actually.

  34. I have a brother-in-law in Lakeport. He owns a restaurant there and frequently travels in these areas. He knows tons of people in the area. I have alerted him and he is putting the word out.

  35. I hope these dogs are found. Could you write a post about how this could happen? Wouldn’t the dogs make a ruckus? I’m probably very naive, but may not be your only reader who is. How do people go about kidnapping dogs? With a succulent bone or two? Dog biscuits? What can be done to prevent kidnapping, besides not leaving the dogs unguarded?

  36. Why were they in the Wal-Mart parking lot? Left in a car? Never a good idea. Hope they are found soon.

  37. Roxanne – Thank You so much for your help and quick response in helping find Cesar and Maya.
    Our fingers are crossed tonight for the safe return of Dans “Best Friends” dogs to him.

    1. You are very welcome, Pat and Barb. I’m so hoping this latest lead in Santa Rosa pans out and that Dan can get his dogs back safely and soon. What a nightmare this must be.

  38. I saw on the news the other night that people were taking others peoples dogs that were being left in cars in parking lots. cuz it has been so hot. It was on the news. The stores video cameras helped to get actions. I hope the dogs are alright and found to be ok Good luck

  39. Eyes open in Oxnard CA, (Ventura County). Info being passed to local Petco/PetSmart and other pet stores. (info received 6-29 evening)

  40. Thank you, Roxanne, for helping me & my family spread the word. My brother is extremely grateful — he’s seen this post and can’t thank you enough! With any luck we can find them and bring them home again.

    Thanks to everyone else who is sharing this further!

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