GazetteOnline story helps police crack dog-napping

UPDATE: A puppy has been returned to its rightful owner after police say a man stole the dog from an ex-girlfriend and gave it to his young son.

Cedar Rapids police took the unusual burglary report early Wednesday morning. Nicole Bunge, 19, told officers she left her apartment at 433 Fourth Ave. SW around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and when she returned around midnight, her dog was gone.

The 1 1/2-month-old brown pit bull was taken, along with a kennel and a 10-pound bag of food, according to the police report. Whoever took the puppy did not use force to get inside the apartment, police said. The items, valued at $764, were the only things missing.

Bunge told police only a few people knew she had the puppy.

After reading a GazetteOnline.com story published Thursday morning, a Cedar Rapids woman called police to tell them she thought she had the puppy. Her ex-boyfriend had just given their son the same type of puppy Wednesday night.

“He had called her and said he wanted to give his son a present,” police Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said.

The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, brought the dog to the Police Department, where it was identified as one that was stolen. The woman planned to tell her son why the dog had to be returned, Hamblin said.

“A 5-year-old boy is without a dog now, so our department is working to see what we can do to get him a dog from the animal shelter,” Hamblin said. “Or maybe somebody from the public will come forward with one.”

Charges are possible against the man who took the puppy, Hamblin said. Police have not released his name, because no charges have been filed.

Hamblin said it is rare to see this type of burglary. Usually, jewelry or electronics are targeted.

“We don't have a lot of dog-nappings,” Hamblin said.