Navy veteran reunited with stolen therapy dog

By | May 1, 2021

That’s a relief — no bones about it!

A Minnesota war veteran was reunited with his beloved “best friend” and therapy dog after his car was swiped with her inside, according to police.

Ladybug, a sweet-faced pit bull, shar pei and retriever mix, was found Thursday in Saint Paul after a witness spotted the missing pooch and called 911, the Saint Paul Police Department said on Twitter.

“She’s my best friend,” U.S. Navy veteran James Booth said in an emotional interview with KARE 11. “I didn’t think I was gonna get her back.”

A 33-year-old woman inside his car was collared, and Ladybug was returned to Booth, who said the dog helps him with PTSD and bipolar disorder.

“I couldn’t sleep and when I did kind of nod out, I’d have nightmares that something happened to her,” said Booth, who brought home his furry friend 10 years ago.

When he got back Ladybug, Booth howled with joy — telling her, “We’re going to get you a big steak.”

U.S. Navy veteran James Booth was reunited with his beloved therapy dog Ladybug after it was stolen in a car theft.
US Navy veteran James Booth was reunited with his beloved therapy dog Ladybug after she was stolen in a car theft.
Anna Escobar

On Tuesday, Booth’s gray 2008 Dodge Caliber was stolen along with the pooch, prompting Saint Paul cops to ask for the public’s help finding her. The woman who reported seeing Ladybug likely saw the department’s social media posts with image of the dog, Booth said.

“She was just found. Thank you SPPD!!! #ladybug” one animal lover posted on Twitter, along with footage of the pup getting a head scratch from a police officer.

Living | New York Post

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