Puppy, Shucker, Believed Stolen From Car In East Hampton

SPRINGS, NY — A puppy is missing after his owner went to pick up a take-out order from a Springs eatery and returned to the parking lot to find the doors of his vehicle open — and his dog gone.

According to the dog's owner John, Shucker went missing between 8:25 p.m. and 8:35 p.m. Saturday night from the parking lot of The Blend on Three Mile Harbor Road.

The puppy, who is just a few months old, was alone for less than 10 minutes while the takeout order was picked up, his owner said.

Shucker is a Cocker Spaniel with unusual markings — he is black and white, with what appears to be a mustache; he also has a black marking on his back much like the shape of an island, his owner, who lives in East Hampton, said. He also comes from a distinguished lineage; his father, in Canada, is a championship purebred, John said.

"He's adorable," he said.

Video cameras in the parking lot were unable to capture exactly what transpired because a trash bin blocked a portion of his vehicle from view, John said. He said an internet appeal has led to many searching for his precious pup.

His hope is that whoever opened the doors to his vehicle just let out Shucker, who may have been barking while he waited for his owner to return; the search has centered on that area in case Shucker is nearby.

John, who has only had Shucker for two months, said his fear is that someone stole Shucker as a Valentine's Day gift.

Shucker, he said, is a gentle dog. "That's his problem," he said. "He's too nice. He's a fur ball; he loves you and kisses you."

John said he is offering a reward, no questions asked. All he wants is to see his dog again. "I'm heartbroken," he said.

If you see Shucker, text 917-715-5052.