Stolen Service Dog Reunited With Owner in Arlington

A service dog who's been missing since Sunday after an SUV was stolen with her inside, has been found safe, according to Arlington police.

Charlotte, a 10-year-old female pit bull, is a service dog with 22Kill, a nonprofit organization providing mental wellness programs for veterans, first responders, and their families.

Her owner, Taija Horne, a social worker with the organization, said Charlotte was inside her vehicle when both the car and dog were stolen from a Walgreens parking lot on Matlock Road last Sunday afternoon.

Horne said she has been desperately looking for her.

"I was crawling around in a creek bed off 287 access road today looking for her, crawling through storm drains, calling her name," Horne said.

On Wednesday afternoon, police say they located the stolen vehicle and Charlotte at a residence on Valley Mills Drive in Arlington.

Horne said she was elated.

"Crying, screaming, thanking God, telling the police I loved them," she said.

Horne was reunited with her beloved dog soon after.

"I couldn't believe I was seeing her again. She was back in my arms," she said.

The dog appeared to be in good health.

Horne got her car back, too.

A heartwarming and emotional reuniting between the owner and her stolen dog! We were able to track the stolen car to a house in South Arlington and recovered “Charlotte” and the stolen SUV. Charges forthcoming soon! Thanks to everyone for keeping their eyes open! pic.twitter.com/15EzMJfUnt

— Arlington Police, TX (@ArlingtonPD) August 12, 2020

Police tell NBC 5 there was a tracker device on the SUV, which assisted them in locating it, as well as Charlotte. Officers haven't released information about the suspect, but did say charges are forthcoming.

Back at home, Charlotte was enjoying her favorite treat -- green beans.

And Horne was planning to give her a steak dinner.

"Couldn't have a better ending," Horne said.