A dog mom in Washington D.C. is now reunited with her senior dog, who was stolen at gunpoint last weekend.
Washington D.C. woman reunited with stolen dog
As DogTime previously reported, a 14-year-old West Highland White Terrier named Max was stolen at gunpoint on Saturday night. He was on a walk with his dog mom, Zaleena Ahmed, near the 300 block of Galloway Street in Fort Totten. Around 10 p.m., someone approached Ahmed with a gun. He demanded that she hand over her dog. When she resisted, the man attacked her. Then, he fled the scene with the dog in a getaway vehicle.
According to WTOP, however, Max is now back with his dog mom. D.C. News Now shared in a post on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) that a man walking near Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens found Max. He took the dog to the police. The Humane Rescue Alliance in Arlington, Virginia, acted as a “neutral party” in facilitating Max’s return.
D.C. News Now shared both a photograph and video footage of the reunion. Ahmed couldn’t look happier at the sight of her beloved senior dog.
REUNITED! A man walking near Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens found Max and returned him to the 6th District Police HQ here in NE DC. Zaleena Ahmed is thrilled to have her pup back home! Two men stole Max at gunpoint Saturday night, police are still looking for suspects. @DCNewsNow pic.twitter.com/q2mUZSyEp6
— Randi Bass (@RandiBonTV) October 24, 2023
D.C. police have not made any arrests in this case. The investigation is ongoing. Authorities request that anyone with information about the theft can contact D.C. police by calling 202-727-9099 or texting 50411.
How stolen dogs cope with reunification
According to Canine Journal, approximately 2 million canine companions are the victims of dog theft every year. Sadly, only 10 percent of those dogs safely return to their parents.
When a stolen dog returns home, their parent should asses their fur baby’s physical health and emotional state. The dog may arrive malnourished, dehydrated, or even injured, necessitating an immediate veterinary check-up. Emotionally, the dog might be traumatized, displaying anxiety or heightened excitement. In such cases, patience and a gentle, reassuring environment are paramount to aid their readjustment.
Behavioral changes are not uncommon in these circumstances. The dog may exhibit signs of fear, separation anxiety, or aggression. In these cases, professional training or behavioral support may be necessary to help them return to their previous state of well-being. A stable routine, plenty of love, and consistent attention are key in aiding the dog’s recovery. By providing a secure and supportive atmosphere, a stolen dog can transition comfortably back into their home life.
