Stolen Dog and Owner Reunited by Portland Police

It's a "tail" with a happy ending.

Vam the puppy had been in Sosha Kjolso's 2003 Subaru Legacy when it was stolen in Lake Stevens, Washington, last month.

A week after the car was stolen, it was stopped by officers from Portland's East Precinct.

Inside were three people — none of whom had permanent addresses — and a dog.

The driver, 32-year-old Christopher Todd Pipkey, was arrested and charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

One passenger, 36-year-old Bernard Early Morgan Jr., was arrested on an unrelated warrant.

The second passenger, who claimed ownership of the dog, was released.

Once the car's owner was notified, she asked if Vam had been in the car.

The officers — Gary Britt and Brandon Cox — thought they had a couple of ideas where the people with Vam might have gone and started searching.

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They were successful, finding Vam on the 8200 block of SE Woodstock Boulevard.

Vam was taken to a vet where his identity was confirmed by a microchip his owner had had placed in him.

Kjolso and Vam — or Vamos — were reunited when she came to town to get her car back.

Portland Police offer a couple suggestions on helping protect your pet:

Microchips and GPS collars are two ways to help protect your pet from theft. Fido Friendly Magazine also offered several helpful tips to prevent theft here.

Additional resources on pet licensing lost & found and other services can be found at the Multnomah County Animal Services here and the Oregon Humane Society here.