Not the first and won't be the last

[Inthedoghouse]

TORONTO - Toronto police say a small dog was stolen from outside a grocery store while its owner was shopping inside.

Police say a woman left the dog tied up in front of the store near Bathurst Street and St. Clair Avenue on Monday night.

While she was inside, a man stopped to pet the dog, then picked it up and walked away,

He was last seen with the dog heading west on St. Clair Avenue towards Bathurst Street.

The dog is described as a four-year-old ****zu-Maltese named Oban, and also goes by Obie.

[Melinda]

it never ceases to amaze me the stupidity of some people....that poor dog

[Longblades]

Oh my gosh, my dog is named Oban. Hits me a little harder because of that.

But you know what? We did that all the time when I was a kid. We'd take the dog to the store, tie him up outside, buy a popsicle and share it with him on the way home. Times have changed. People used to do that with their babies too. That was when the "real" world and the "ideal" world seemed to be almost the same thing.

Hope this lady's Oban comes safely home. It's a shame to be punished for having faith in humanity and the goodness in people by things like this happening.

[chico2]

Longblades I remember those days too,dogs were always tied outside a store and yes,even baby-carriges....it just tells us how the world is changing

Hope this little pup will be found and Ishe/he was fixed..as not to end up in a mill.

[CsqU4r3d]

I remember those days as well...never thought twice about tying the dog up when you ran into the corner store...I am amazed people still do it, I myself could never do it these days , just asking for trouble IMHO!

[Mirela]

The pup was found. I've just caught the end of a TV segment on this. ( On the 11:00 news on Global)

[CsqU4r3d]

So glad Obie made it home...happy endings are great.

[hazelrunpack]

That's a relief!!! If you hear how they managed to recover the dog, pls update! I'm so glad he's back home!

[reanne]

Glad the dog was found!
I leave Whistler outside of stores often (and not tied, just in a sit-stay) but he wouldn't go with someone. he is also 93lbs and very unique looking so in general I think would be a challenge to steal. I would definitely be afraid of it with a little dog though. so happy Obie made it home!

[Mirela]

Originally Posted by hazelrunpack

That's a relief!!! If you hear how they managed to recover the dog, pls update! I'm so glad he's back home!

Not sure Hazel - as I've said, I wasn't really paying attention - my ears "perked up" when I heard the dog's name - but I think someone who saw the news recognized the guy who took the dog from images from the store's security cameras.

[Inthedoghouse]

...I heard that a neighbour heard the dog barking and put 2 and 2 together... thank goodness the dog is reunited with its owner......
lessons learned
Charges were not laid against the man who took the dog - I know people think it's an infringement on their privacy, but I am all for cameras in public places - solved a lot of crimes