Dad begs for return of his disabled daughter’s stolen dog — then the thieves make an unexpected phone call

A heartwarming reunion followed a massive theft in Italy. Rosario, the father of a 12-year-old girl, was shocked to find his apartment in shambles and his valuables stolen after the family returned home one evening. Even their beloved pet dog was missing. His disabled daughter was deeply hurt and struggled to cope with the unexpected loss. This urged the father to put forward a desperate plea to the thieves, requesting them to return their dog. Then, they received a mysterious phone call, per a report by L’Unione Sarda.

Rosario and his family were out for a few hours on a Saturday evening when the burglary took place in Acerra, Naples. Their pet, Maui, a German Spitz, was left at home and ended up getting stolen by the thieves. The father immediately informed the police and wrote a complaint in hopes of finding their dog. He even began a search for Maui, but unfortunately, could not find him. As a last resort, unable to watch his sad daughter, the father made a desperate and heartfelt plea to the thieves to return their stolen dog. Soon after, his plea made waves throughout Italy, with hundreds of citizens resharing to get the message across. Even the mayor of Naples, Tito d’Errico, relayed the message in an attempt to reunite the little girl with her dog. 

Then, one evening, Rosario received an anonymous phone call about their dog. The thieves informed him that they had released the dog near their front gate. Recalling their exact words, the father shared, “They said, with a foreign accent, that they were giving it back for the little girl. They said ‘You see, we are thieves, but honest ones.” Rosario was filled with gratitude for his nation and city. He marked the efforts Italy made “for my daughter, Miriam, so they made it. Thank you so much to everyone. My daughter is crying with happiness." Dognapping is a growing problem in Italy, and the black market for dogs is rapidly increasing. About 3,500 dogs were stolen from homes in 2015, as per data from the Italian Association for the Defense of Animals and the Environment (AIDAA), per CNBC. 

While Rosario’s family in Naples was lucky to have their beloved dog returned, not every story finds such a quick resolution. In Chicago, a legally blind man named Angel Santiago has been searching tirelessly for his 14-year-old emotional support dog, Bam Bam, after two individuals allegedly stole him from his yard. The case has touched hearts across the U.S., with strangers raising funds, offering support, and even pledging rewards for Bam Bam’s safe return. Despite offers of new dogs, Santiago remains firm. He doesn’t want a replacement; he just wants his Bam Bam back.