A deaf dog named Rags was taken from his home in Alabama last year and was recently discovered in Arizona, where he has been happily reunited with his owner. Rags, a 2-year-old deaf Old English Sheepdog, was stolen by a masked intruder during a burglary in Silverhill, Alabama on December 9, 2023, according to City of Maricopa Police Department spokesperson Monica Williams. The thief was captured on security footage entering the house and leaving with Rags a short time later.
Rags’ owner, Olivia Gardner, shared that the intruder seemed to have targeted Rags specifically. Gardner was away at a Christmas parade when the theft occurred, and her boyfriend, who was showering, mistook the intruder for her returning home. When he realized something was wrong, they discovered that Rags was missing, the front fence was damaged, and the door was left open.
After a long and exhaustive search effort by Gardner, involving local authorities, animal rescue groups, social media posts, and a dedicated Facebook group, Rags was eventually located in a residential area of Maricopa, Arizona on December 26, 2024. The City of Maricopa Police Department confirmed Rags’ identity through photos and a microchip scan.
Gardner expressed her relief and joy upon being informed of Rags’ discovery and traveled to Arizona to reunite with her beloved pet. The reunion was emotional and heartwarming, with Rags showing immediate recognition and excitement upon seeing his owner. Gardner described the moment as surreal and shared that Rags stayed close to her, showering her with affection.
Rags appeared to be in good health and spirits, though he was yet to undergo a check-up from his regular veterinarian after the ordeal. The successful reunion was a testament to Gardner’s perseverance and the support she received from her community and law enforcement agencies throughout the search for Rags.
Veterinarian Sarah Gardner expressed relief as she shared that Maricopa authorities had thoroughly examined Rags, her beloved deaf sheepdog, after being reunited with him following a year-long separation due to theft. Speaking over the phone with USA TODAY while driving back home from Arizona, Gardner stated that the authorities, including an animal control officer, had given Rags a comprehensive inspection and confirmed his good health and physical condition.
“He’s healthy. He’s in good shape,” Gardner reassured, adding, “He has some little spots here and there, but otherwise, he has not skipped a meal and has been doing completely fine since I’ve gotten him back.” Rags appeared content to be back with his family, enjoying the comfort and familiarity of his home environment.
Acknowledging that Rags displayed some signs of anxiety due to the ordeal of being moved to various locations and being around different people, Gardner, drawing on her expertise as a veterinarian technician, asserted her readiness to address his emotional needs. “We’re just going to take it day by day and just make sure that he feels safe, and knows he’s not being moved around anywhere else,” she affirmed. Plans were in place to provide Rags with a thorough checkup upon his return home to ensure his continued well-being.
The identity of the perpetrators behind Rags’ theft remains a mystery, as authorities have yet to identify any suspects. The City of Maricopa Police Department confirmed that the Silverhill Police Department would lead the investigation to determine potential charges against the individuals involved. A statement issued by the Silverhill Police Department on Facebook indicated that the investigation remained active and ongoing, with suspects located in multiple states.
As the search for justice continued, additional images and details were added to the story, keeping the public informed about Rags’ heartwarming reunion with his owner amidst the ongoing investigative efforts. Saman Shafiq, a trending news reporter for USA TODAY, contributed to the coverage of this remarkable tale. For further updates and insights, readers are encouraged to connect with Shafiq via email at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram under the handle @saman_shafiq7.
The heartening saga of Rags, the deaf sheepdog, being safely returned to his caring owner after a year apart serves as a reminder of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
