MINNEAPOLIS — When it comes to a man’s best friend, it’s a relationship that Mars Webb Abdul Samad, at age 78, is more grateful for than ever.
Everything changed during a normal Monday afternoon walk around the corner to a grocery store not far from his home.
“As we entered the store, I was approached by a man and a girl who said, ‘Oh, I remember that dog, that’s a Cane Corso.’ But as I walked in, I was approached by a teenager,” Webb said.
He went home without thinking anything of it, but Webb says the young man followed him from the store to his apartment.
According to police, someone pushed him to the ground and ran off with his 6-week-old Cane Corso named “Son” before jumping onto a public transportation vehicle with the 6-week-old puppy in hand. This happened around 4 p.m. Monday near East 18th Street and Third Avenue South, a few blocks east of Stevens Square Park.
Minneapolis Police
“I was angry,” Webb said. “Why are they looking for an old man to take something from?”
Minneapolis police posted photos on social media asking for help in solving the case. Among them is a young man who was seen with the dog on a Metro Transit light rail train.
Minneapolis Police
Then police received a tip from a Good Samaritan who purchased the puppy. Webb said the Good Samaritan paid $1,000 for the puppy.
Webb is grateful for the power of social media and the good side of humanity that leads to a beautiful reunion after a serious robbery.
But sitting in his apartment on Friday, Webb said he forgives the young man and hopes he can get his life under control.
And as for Webb and his precious pup: human and best friend are back together.
“It just feels good to have him back,” Webb smiled, holding “Son” in his arms.
Police told us the Good Samaritan wishes to remain anonymous, but it is unclear if she will get her money back, especially since the suspected robber is still on the run.
According to the Humane Society, if you want to get a dog, you should first consider adoption. However, at the same time, it is also recommended that you do not buy the pet over the Internet, but contact a reputable breeder and do not buy a puppy without first finding out where it was raised.
Anyone with information is asked to contact law enforcement using one of these options: Email [email protected]; call police at 612-673-5845; submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers online or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
