Chuma, Rhodesian ridgeback

A man is reunited with his dog five months after he was stolen by thieves
Sydney Cameron
October 30, 2010

Chuma before being stolen, as an 11 week old puppy

WASHINGTON, Dc. (WUSA) -- In late May, thieves broke into Kevin Fitzgerald's home in Northeast. The electronics that were stolen could be replaced; but they also made off with Chuma --Kevin's eleven week old Rhodesian Ridgeback.

A Pet Amber Alert went out for Chuma--pictures were posted on the internet--signs went up in the neighborhood. the Chesapeake Region Ridgeback Community was summoned--by the end of summer the emails had stopped--hope had faded--

Then on October 27 Kevin Fitzgerald got an anonymous call saying Chuma was listed on an adpotion website.

It was Chuma--five months after he was stolen from inside his home--the Rhodesan Ridgeback had been brought to the Prince George's County Animal shelter by someone who had apparently given up on raising the dog--

Its unclear how many owners Chuma has had since he was stolen from his owner in May. Kevin says hen appeared well cared for---no physical or mental abuse.

Source: http://www.wusa9.com/rss/local_article.aspx?storyid=117944



Beloved Dog Stolen During DC Robbery
Andrea McCarren 9NEWS NOW & WUSA9.COM
May 28, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA)--A Northeast Washington man came home to discover his house ransacked...and his beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback, stolen.

"I'm hurt. I'm angry. I want my dog back," said heartbroken owner Kevin Fitzgerald.

Fitzegerald always dreamed of owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback, an unusual dog that was originally bred to hunt lions in Africa. Just three weeks ago, Fitzgerald's wish came true. He and Chuma quickly became inseparable companions.

"Without a doubt. Without a doubt," he said. "It was like having a kid."

Joy gave way to grief when Fitzgerald's fiancée called Thursday evening to say she'd come home from work.

"Probably 10 or 15 seconds later, I hear oh my God. We've been robbed," said Fitzgerald.

Thieves smashed a basement window to enter the house in the quiet Northeast neighborhood of Woodridge sometime between 9am and 4 pm. They stole television sets, laptop computers, electronics. Those can be replaced. Chuma cannot.

"He's a Rhodesian Ridgeback. 11 weeks old. He has a distinctive ridge of fur that grows down his back," said Fitzgerald.

Chuma was inside the house in a crate when the robbery occurred, so it's clear he was stolen and didn't simply escape. Another dog carrier of his was abandoned in a back alley.

"Return my dog, that's all. Return my dog," pleaded Fitzgerald.

He fears someone may think he's a pit bull and cause him harm. Police are investigating this robbery and several other recent break-ins in the neighborhood.

"There's a lot of other things I would like to say, but I just want my dog back. That's all. Real simple," he said.

Fitzgerald is offering a one thousand dollar reward for the safe return of his dog. No questions asked.

Source: http://www.wusa9.com/rss/local_article.aspx?storyid=101872