Stolen Pup Resold Twice, Reunited With Family In San Diego County

OCEANSIDE, CA – A stolen French bulldog has been reunited with his family in San Diego County after being resold twice in Southern California.

The 2-month-old puppy was reported stolen Jan. 17 from a home in the 3900 block of Shenandoah Drive in Oceanside. The victim reported that someone broke the locked latch off the home's gate, pulled the fence apart and stole the pup named "Sol," according to Oceanside police.

The family purchased the puppy for $3,500 just a few weeks prior to the incident.

"The family was devastated at the loss, and their two daughters, ages 7 and 10, have cried themselves to sleep since Sol disappeared," Oceanside police Sgt. John McKean said.

The victim found Sol for sale on Craigslist for $1,200 and attempted to contact the seller, police said. The seller, however, did not respond and took the posting down. Detectives also tried contacting the seller but received no response.

Detectives found the suspect at an apartment complex in Escondido. Police said he initially denied any knowledge of the puppy but later said he found Sol "on the side of the road."

"He admitted he did not make any attempts to locate the owners or call the humane society or police," McKean said. The suspect told investigators he sold Sol to someone from Fontana in San Bernardino County.

Detectives found the person who purchased Sol, who resold the pup to a woman in Hemet in Riverside County.

"Detectives explained the circumstances to the dog lover," said McKean, noting that the woman also had two full-grown French bulldogs. "She was understandability upset but knew the right thing to do. She emotionally, but gladly, gave up Sol so he could be reunited with the original family."

The woman, McKean said, has since been given another French bulldog puppy by the Fontana resident to replace Sol.

"Sol and the detectives drove to where the original owners were anxiously awaiting his return," McKean said. "Sol had an exciting week of travel around Southern California but is now safe and snug with his two best friends."

The suspected thief, whose name was withheld, could face a felony charge, McKean said. Detectives forwarded the case to the San Diego County District Attorney's office, requesting a charge of grand theft of a dog over $950.

Photos via Oceanside Police Department