Story Of Dog Stolen From Home In Calgary Reunited With Family

A dog that escaped some teenage tormentors has been reunited with his relieved Calgary family.

Pinball, a Jack Russel terrier, has been gone since Sunday night when he was taken from his fenced yard in the northeast neighbourhood of Temple.

Pinball's owner, Gregor Willness, had been working in the garage when he saw two teens taunting the canine.

"I told them to get down the road," said Willness, who then went inside. "They walked around the corner to my front gate and they stole my little Pinball."

"My heart sank. We searched everywhere we possibly could. I called the cops as soon as possible to get their help," said Julie Willness.

Teenage rescuer attacked

Maceio Lunan, who joined in the search, spotted Pinball in a nearby park — being hit and poked by a group of boys.

"I said 'I'm just getting my friend's dog back,' and they handed me the dog, and right then and there, someone yelled 'Now!' or something like that," recalled Lunan, 15.

He said that's when about seven other teens jumped him, punching and kicking him in the ribs. Pinball managed to run away.

"I can't thank him enough for his bravery and he's a hero in our eyes," said Julie Willness.

Police charged a 13-year-old boy with theft and assault but Pinball was still missing.

A few blocks away, Stephanie Elson and a friend found Pinball running around without a collar and tags. They drove around for two hours looking for his owners.

"I got attached to him," said Elson. "He was a nice dog."

Julie Willness was elated to have Pinball back in her arms. (Terri Trembath/CBC)

Elson heard about the Willness family's frantic search and brought the terrier back with the help of bylaw officers on Wednesday for the happy reunion.

"Thank God he's not scared and timid after going through all of that abuse," said an elated Julie Willness, holding Pinball and his brother Buddy.

From:CBC.ca