Their 5-month-old pup suddenly vanished from home without a trace — until an abandoned truck three weeks later pointed police straight to the thief
A family in northern Colorado faced uncertainty when their 5-month-old puppy suddenly disappeared from their home. For weeks, they could only wonder who had taken him and whether he was safe. The case soon caught the attention of local officers, who carefully pieced together small clues that ultimately led them to an abandoned vehicle and an unexpected breakthrough.
As reported by 9 News, the authorities shared in a Facebook post on Monday, November 17, 2025, that the puppy, named Bluey, had been taken from the Meza family’s home in Garden City on October 22, 2025. At first, investigators reviewed surveillance footage to track possible leads. Within the second week of the investigation, they managed to pinpoint both a suspect and the vehicle believed to be involved in the theft. The real progress came in the third week, when the vehicle was found abandoned. From that point, Officer Alyssa Bird of the Garden City Police Department took the lead. Using information discovered from the vehicle, she was able to trace the area where the suspect might be, though it was still unclear whether Bluey was with them.
With help from the Eaton Police Department, Officer Bird located the suspect’s residence on Thursday, November 13, 2025. To everyone’s relief, Bluey was found there and brought safely back to the Meza family. Bird later shared that “There was nothing more rewarding than receiving a video from the family of their three children coming home and crying when they saw their puppy home safe again.” That moment marked the end of a stressful three-week search and the beginning of a joyful reunion. On Sunday, the Meza family met with officers in person to thank them for their dedication and for bringing their puppy home.
Cases of stolen pet dogs have undoubtedly risen. Another recent incident shows just how quickly a family’s beloved companion can disappear, no matter how careful the owners are. In Meriden, Connecticut, a family faced a terrifying situation when their 8-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, Cookie, went missing from their yard. Days passed with no leads, and worry grew. Then, a family member noticed an online listing for a Yorkie matching Cookie’s description. Suspecting the dog was theirs, they immediately contacted the police, who stepped in to help bring the situation under control. “We’re all dog lovers, so we can empathize how this family felt losing a family member,” expressed Lt. Shane Phillips.
Police coordinated a careful operation to confirm the dog’s identity. An undercover officer arranged to meet the seller, checking for specific markings and features unique to Cookie. Fortunately, the identifying features were verified. Once the dog recognized his family, excitement and relief confirmed he was safe. Cookie wagged his tail and showered them with affection, showing he had been protected despite the ordeal. Though Cookie was safely back home, the investigation continued. Authorities indicated that charges were expected for those responsible, likely facing larceny.