Springfield Shelter dog stolen, found in NH

A dog was returned to the Springfield Humane Society on Monday after a person allegedly stole him during operating hours.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20120918/NEWS02/709189892

Published September 18, 2012 in the Rutland Herald Springfield Shelter dog stolen, found in NH By Christian Avard Staff Writer SPRINGFIELD — A dog was returned to the Springfield Humane Society on Monday after a person allegedly stole him during operating hours. Gibbs, a 4- to 5-year-old male Labrador-hound mix, was found unharmed in Charlestown, N.H., and is back up for adoption. “The dog is doing great,” said Tom Browe, executive director of the Springfield Humane Society. “He’s in excellent health.” According to staff workers, a woman with dark curly hair, about 5 feet 4 inches tall, with tattoos on her forearms walked into the Humane Society and asked if she could walk Gibbs. Browe said staff members normally accompany potential owners when they take dogs for a walk. But Humane Society staff thought the woman was credible and allowed her to take Gibbs for a walk. The woman and the dog never came back. “She said that she lost a dog recently and it died,” Browe said. “She took Gibbs for a walk, got in her car, and took off.” Springfield Police sent out an alert about the missing dog. On Saturday, Charlestown Police spotted a dog on the side of a road that matched Gibbs’ description and Browe confirmed the dog’s identity. “We don’t know whether the dog got away or if she let it loose,” he said. “We don’t know that part of the story.” Human Society staff said the woman is not a regular visitor at the shelter. Browe said the center is changing its policies as a result of the theft. The Humane Society will ask for a driver’s license before allowing people to take dogs or other animals out for a walk. Springfield Police are investigating the theft. Anyone with information should call Det. Michael Gilderdale at 885-2113. Anyone interested in adopting Gibbs can call the Humane Society at 885-3997. Vyto Starinskas / Staff Photo June Howarth, walks Gibbs, who was back at the Springfield Humane Society on Monday.