Puppy stolen from humane society reunited with new family
»Play Video
PORTLAND, Ore. – It was a special Christmas for the Belzer family.
Their new puppy, a three-month-old Chihuahua/Pomeranian mix named "John", is finally going home with them.
"I've been begging for a dog for years," said Lauren Belzer, who first spotted John online. "Nothing compares to this."
The family came to adopt him on Saturday, but John was stolen from the Oregon Humane Society minutes before he was going to go home with them.
"I was holding his new collar and leash, getting ready to put it on him when they brought him out," said Lauren Belzer.
"At some point, there was the realization that he wasn't there," said Mike Belzer. "To have their emotions crushed for Christmas was upsetting."
"It was really a quiet ride home," said Madison Belzer. "We were all crying."
John was found Monday evening. Gresham police got an anonymous tip from someone who saw and recognized the puppy, according to David Lytle with OHS.
He was reunited with the Belzer family on Christmas Day.
"I heard the phone ringing and I was like, 'is that them calling about John?' Said Lauren Belzer. "And she's like 'yep, they found him.'"
Police said they are investigating the case. No arrested have been made.
"I'm so happy that they found him," said Madison Belzer. "This is by far the best Christmas present."
Happy story. Funny looking little dog.
I knew it would not take long to find this dog.
I am so happy for this family and this puppy! What a great Christmas Gift!
This comment has been deleted
@HarryJuku ---I didn't see any Hope And Change or Forward buttons on them. Must not be rich or they would have been at a breeder. Looks like a practical family.
 @HarryJuku Your such a troll its not even funny. Your always lurking around here bringing this negative outlook on every story they put up. Is your life that empty, sad and lonely?
 @HarryJuku Yes you are! They went to the humane society to save a dog and you call them spoiled rich white kids. Oh thats right, they have to apologize for being "European American"? Get a friggin life or go crawl back under the rock from whence you came. Oh and Merry Christmas you bigoted, rascist insulting slouch!
 @HarryJuku What is your problem?Â
This comment has been deleted
 @HarryJuku They are a nice looking family. Why do you need to mess with a happy story? Is your life that messed up?
 @HarryJuku Yea....I think you were.
This comment has been deleted
 @HarryJuku I don't know why. There are no armed guards.
probably.
This is a wonderful Christmas story. This is the kinds of stories I like. We need to read more books about romance and how to be a good person. http://x.co/rDlw
Wooo Hoooo! Puppy Love reunited! I love happy endings! Especially for Christmas : )
This is not news.
@sortbait grinch....!!!
Bandit has returned!
:) coolio
This comment has been deleted
 @Ana Bell I smell spam
I love happy endings! What an awesome gift for this family, I'm so glad for whoever called in that tip! Merry Christmas, everyone (except the puppy thief)!
 @QuandoQuandoQuando what you do at a massage parlor is your business, I'm not sure what it has to do with this story.
???
 @iamtroglodite "loves happy endings"
I'm glad for the family and their new member, John. Â But isn't the real question, how can a dog be stolen from the Oregon Humane Society? Â Also, how many other dogs and cats have been stolen?
Â
These question we will never get answers to.Â
 @MFMFIM If the kennel was locked as this story says it was in the original story..it had to of been an inside job
 @Whitehawk What I think is was, a stunt to get cash donations.
That collar is too tight around that puppy's neck.Chi's are prone to collapsed trachea and should only be in a harness,and nothing that tight around the neck
 @Whitehawk contact the OHS and pass that thought on to the family via them. I agree, BTW and humans are way too big to be pulling/yanking on a collar around a tiny guy like John. I used harnesses on all my dogs, even the 50 lb one (departed, whom I dearly still miss after all these years).
 @WhitehawkGood to know hope they read your post
Â
It is a great story with a great ending, Merry Christmas John &Â Lauren!
Has anyone thought of the TRAUMA to this little puppy? Â First living in a box at the shelter. Â Then he is taken into the warm embrace of the Gresham savior. Â He risks his freedom because of his love for this puppy. Â No doubt he gave him a warm bath, hot steak and bedtime stories. Â
The Dog and the Gresham Savior have BONDED.
Then the police with their brutal force, weapons attacked to their side that could KILL our dog savior barges into this dog's new home and like a tooth, plucks it from doggies home.
Again back to the shelter as the other dogs threatening barks confuses him and scares him.
Then a new couple come forward and whisper to forget the kindness of the Gresham Savior. Â Instead, he is forget this warmth and love.But the dog cannot forget. Â He will never be the same again. Â He has been tramatized as if he was a mere possession instead of what is in his best interests. Â The new dog owners are not owners but mere custodians and in their first test have failed to consider the mental health of pooch. Â They are selfish and unworthy.Â
 @ussyorktown Dude, have another hit!
ussyorktown: Ok, Danny. Back up off the crack pipe and go back to your thorazine. You will be ok, once it kicks in. Until then stay away from ALL sharp objects.
 @ussyorktown Has anyone thought this is a dog?
 @ussyorktown
Â
What part of thievery do you not understand? Savior? Somewhere within your mind you have forgotten there is right and there is wrong. What the thief did was wrong.
Â
I'd like to know why there's been no arrest (as stated in the article) of the person who stole this puppy.
What the h*** is wrong with you?????
 @ussyorktown I hope you're not a gun owner.
 @ussyorktown I hope somebody is knocking on your door to see if you're the one who took him.
 @ussyorktown I think you spent too much time at sea, on the flight deck or both. I'm sure this little guy will be all over his trauma in no time flat. Besides, how do you now his thief owner wasn't some crazy abuser that would have made his life hell?
Off of your med's much? Good God, I hope this "Post" is just an attempt to get a reaction from others. If that's the goal, you have succeeded. If you were attempting to communicate a RATIONAL opinion, FAIL!
 @ussyorktown What the heck are you talking about???
@ussyorktown You must be out of your freakin mind !
Whaddaya mean, he was "found?' What? Wandering the streets? Turned up on someone's doorstep?
How bright do you have to be to steal a bright yellow strange looking little dog? They could have at least tried to disguise him by painting him green or something.
Disney is currently buying the rights to make a movie about this story
Actually, if he were my dog, I would call him "Gristle".
I know you are probably joking, but I think that would be a cool name for a little ankle biter. Cute little dude, but john just isn't going to make it for a name.
Oh, way COOL..! Â Â What a wonderful gift to that little puppy's new adoptive family..! Â Â
"John".? Â Â Nah... w-a-y too "adult" and dignified for a puppy..! Â Â I like WhenCowsAttack's suggestion "Peanut"... or maybe "Chili Pepper"? Â Â
Regardless, I'm glad he's back with the people who went through the adoption process and obviously bonded with him..! Â Â
Merry Christmas, everybody..! Â :-)
 @margay1 Johnny Angel
Jhonny Gristle.
At the very least, Juan.