‘Bring this dog back’: Stolen service dog leaves Tennessee child with autism without support
The dog’s absence has reportedly caused the 4-year-old girl to throw tantrums and self-harm, according to her mother.
What This Story Is About
- A Lincoln County family is searching for their stolen service dog, Chonkers, who supports their 4-year-old daughter with autism.
Why It Matters
- The dog’s absence is disrupting the daily routine of a child with autism, and the family says the theft also included the dog’s American Kennel Club registration and nearly $4,300 in property
What Happens Next
- The case has been assigned to a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office investigator, and the family is offering a $1,000 reward for Chonkers’ safe return.
For Context
- Chonkers was discovered missing after the family returned home from a five-day absence, and the dog’s collar was later found near the residence.
Catch Up
- The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded Monday after a police report was filed, and the family has been posting on Facebook and reaching out to local animal groups in search of the dog.
LINCOLN COUNTY, Tenn. (WSMV) - A Lincoln County family is searching for their service dog, Chonkers, after the animal was allegedly stolen from their home. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a police report was filed.
Owner Nola Morris said she returned home after being away for approximately five days to find the dog missing. A deputy responded to the residence Monday and took a report.
Morris said she and her 4-year-old daughter, Laiklen, have been posting on Facebook and reaching out to local animal groups in an effort to locate the dog.
“We asked neighbors, nobody’s seen her. We been posting all over Facebook. We posted all over the local animal groups,” Morris said.
According to the sheriff’s office, the dog’s American Kennel Club registration and veterinary records were also taken. A few hours after the initial report, Morris discovered a laptop, tablet and chargers were also missing. The total value of the service animal and electronics was reported to law enforcement as $4,300.
The case has been assigned to a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office investigator.
Chonkers is believed to have possibly been sold. Chonkers serves as a support animal for Laiklen, who has autism. Morris said the dog’s absence has had a direct effect on her daughter’s daily routine.
“We’re dealing with a lot more tantrums. Anyone who has an autistic child knows changes in routine dramatically, changes in everyday life dramatically upset them and it’s just very hard for her,” Morris said.
The dog’s collar was reportedly found not far from the home. Morris said a $1,000 reward is being offered for Chonkers’ safe return.
“I don’t care if it takes two weeks, I don’t care if it takes five years. I will share and reach out and look for her until the cow comes home,” Morris said.
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