Stolen Puppy Returned Safely To Fox Valley Store

AURORA, IL — An English bulldog puppy who was reported stolen from a store in the Fox Valley Mall Sunday has been returned. Staff at Furry Babies Fox Valley told Patch that the puppy was returned in a cardboard box Tuesday and was "active and eating" at press time.

Aurora Police Department spokesperson Paris Lewbel said in an news release that the dog's microchip confirmed its identity.

The puppy was reported stolen from the Fox Valley Mall store Sunday after a couple came in and used false information to steal the dog, Aurora police said. According to police, the man and woman came into the store with their baby and left with the dog after applying online using false identities.

A store manager told NBC the dog was returned by a man who asked about a reward and appeared to act "sketchy." Lewbel said the man was asked by a couple to return the puppy to the store.

According to Lewbel, an anonymous caller also left a message with police regarding the suspects and their identities after seeing a news story about the dog.

Police are still asking the public for help identifying and locating the couple suspected of stealing the puppy. Anyone with information should call the Aurora Police Department at 630-256-5000.

If you believe you know or have seen the people in the above photo, contact Aurora police at 630-256-5500.