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A dog stolen from outside a Rochester home on Saturday was mysteriously returned the next day, as the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) continues to investigate.
“About an hour after TCSO began searching nearby properties/compounds and the surrounding community, Dolly was returned to our home by an unknown individual while we were away searching for her,” Dolly’s owner, Jake Echtinaw, said in an email to The Chronicle Monday. “At this time, we do not know who returned her or who originally took her.”
Echtinaw said the sheriff’s office is still trying to identify the vehicle and any suspects involved.
“We are incredibly relieved to have Dolly home, but we also don’t want another family to experience having their four-legged family member taken from them,” Echtinaw said.
According to Echtinaw, a neighbor witnessed a car stop outside the home near Elderberry Street and 189th Loop Saturday morning. An unknown suspect picked Dolly up and drove away.
“Our four kids are devastated,” Echtinaw said in an email to The Chronicle on Sunday. “Our 3 year old has developmental delays, physical impairments, and is mostly nonverbal. Dolly is a huge source of comfort and security for him and helps soothe and regulate him. He doesn’t understand why she’s gone, and watching him look for her has been heartbreaking.”
Before Dolly’s return, the family posted in “countless” Facebook groups, contacted local shelters and searched various listings, according to Echtinaw.
They also offered a reward for Dolly’s safe return.
“We just want our girl home with our kids,” Echtinaw said on Sunday. “Any help getting the word out would mean more to our family than we can express.”
The TCSO is accepting information on the suspect’s vehicle, relevant camera footage, or any other details pertaining to the case. The case number is 26-003827.
