Pup returns

SYLVIE BELMOND/Acorn Newspapers SAFE—Darren Perlmutter, holds a Chihuahua puppy similar to one stolen from his pet store and later recovered. When The Acorn recently reported that a Chihuahua puppy worth $1,000 was stolen from Healthy Pets in Agoura Hills, a conscientious citizen saw the story and helped store owner Darren Perlmutter find the dog one week after it was taken.

Perlmutter received calls from many concerned readers, but he was surprised when one anonymous caller told him of the dog’s whereabouts. The caller said she had seen the puppy with a girl who was living in an abandoned house in Sunland.

The girl’s mother reportedly lives in Agoura Hills. According to Perlmutter, “The girl just walked in (the pet store) with her boyfriend, who distracted me while she took the dog,”

After police told him it could take up to a week for them to try to retrieve the stolen pup, Perlmutter took matters into his own hands. The store owner went to Sunland to confront the girl, who reluctantly agreed to return the dog. In exchange for the puppy, Perlmutter promised the girl he wouldn’t press charges.

The puppy has been examined by a veterinarian, who said it is in excellent health.

“If it was a product or money I wouldn’t care, but it’s an animal,” Perlmutter said.

The puppy recently was purchased by an owner who is sure to give him a good home, Perlmutter said. —Sylvie Belmond