[News] Dognapping or Not, Family is Despondent

[fasteddie]

NJ - The Rigoliosi family was enjoying a Fourth of July picnic at their neighbor's house in Paramus when fireworks from a nearby park frightened their dog, Polo.

The skittish pooch dashed into the front yard as Lori Rigoliosi and her 8-year-old son, Chaz, chased after him.

Then they watched in horror as a man in a black SUV drove off with Polo in the passenger seat.

They tried to chase down the car, yelling to the driver. But the vehicle turned down a main street and vanished.

"At first I thought the guy might have good intentions and was trying to return him," Rigoliosi said. "But he obviously didn't."

Now the family is asking for help in finding Polo. They are offering a $500 reward to whoever returns him safely.

Nine-year-old Polo is a black and brown Yorkshire terrier. Unlike most Yorkies, his ears don't stand up. He gets carsick and needs Dramamine when the family goes on vacation, Rigoliosi said.

"I feel like I lost my son," she said through tears Friday. "He's not just a dog."

She wasn't the only one missing him.

Polo had been "married" to a neighbor's dog, Bella, a Chihuahua that Rigoliosi said has been looking out the window wondering where he is. Another neighbor let the family borrow one of his Yorkies for comfort until Polo is found.

Because Polo wasn't wearing tags, whoever has him might not know that he's someone else's dog, Deputy Police Chief Richard Cary said. In that case, Cary said, there would be no charges.

Polo has been a family member since a cousin gave him to the Rigoliosis seven years ago. He goes swimming with the boys -- Chaz, Chris, 13, and Craig, 16 -- jumping on a boogie board and watching over them as they play, their mother said.

"The kids are totally distraught," said Englewood Lt. Steven Sabo, a family friend.

Chaz has been especially upset, his mom said. Although everyone has been trying to keep him occupied, his mother said Chaz still takes a box of tissues with him to bed and cries himself to sleep.

"It makes it worse when he sees me break down," Rigoliosi said. "I've been sending him out with friends."

The rest of the family has dealt with the situation in their own ways. Craig has been supportive and protective, trying to keep everyone calm. Chris has been quiet, not really letting his emotions show, she said.

Even the neighbors miss Polo. Friends have been distributing fliers and searching the community, she said.

"The kids' friends and all our neighbors are helping," Rigoliosi said. "Everyone knows Polo."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Paramus Sgt. Glen Doughty at 201-262-3400, ext. 532.

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?...ZxZWVFRXl5Mg==

[livingdustmops]

So sad when it could have been prevented by keeping their dog indoors during the fireworks. Thank goodness this year we got rain so very few dogs were scared out of their minds and ran away here in Tucson. Our city runs public broadcasts and the news stations also always talk about keeping your dogs inside during this time.

[Rae Rae]

Aw I hope they find their doggy, thats terrible

[cutiepatutie627]

Awwh that is sooo sad I hope that they find Polo soon! My prayers and thoughts go out to them!!!

[icy]

Awwwwww, I hope they find Polo soon. Another thing is why didn't the dogs have tags on?

[puppylove17]

Originally Posted by icy

Awwwwww, I hope they find Polo soon. Another thing is why didn't the dogs have tags on?

I dont make mine wear their tags. They do wear a collar but I keep their tags in my glove box so I always have them when we travel. Otherwise, I have a fenced in yard and the tags are metal and a bit cumbersome on a tiny dog.

[YORKIE7]

aww i hope polo is found safe and well

[Zoey's Momma]

I hope he isn't in a place where he is hurt, cold, lonely, and sad.

[lreed]

Originally Posted by puppylove17

I dont make mine wear their tags. They do wear a collar but I keep their tags in my glove box so I always have them when we travel. Otherwise, I have a fenced in yard and the tags are metal and a bit cumbersome on a tiny dog.

I purchase the thick plastic kind for my yorkies and chi. The plastic is also kinder to their teeth if they manage to get them in their mouth. I get the smallest size offered; it's usually described as for small dogs or cats. Everyone but the cat has a tag and she's not allowed out of the house/porch.

[Rae Rae]

Originally Posted by puppylove17

I dont make mine wear their tags. They do wear a collar but I keep their tags in my glove box so I always have them when we travel. Otherwise, I have a fenced in yard and the tags are metal and a bit cumbersome on a tiny dog.

We never keep tags on our dogs, Rocky's rabies tag is on his collar, but sometimes he wears his harness. The boxer has choker chains on.

[Jenn218]

The poor baby! I hope he is found and is not hurting in anyway.

It is a sad, but preventable situation! I know, we can't judge because I am sure we have all let our run off their leash, etc. But, if your dog is skittish around fireworks, loud noises, etc. - don't sit there and think it's cute or funny and do nothing about it. Take them in! You don't have to stay with them, I probably would! It is said that most dogs are comforted MORE by another dog during a thunderstorm, so that might be the case with fireworks too, and then the person wouldn't have to miss being outside with everyone else.

As for tags, Mojo doesn't wear his. He doesn't wear a collar - not a fan of collars. He does have a harness and leash - which is always on if we are somewhere new. If he is off his leash, we are home and I am always with him.

I hope the person that took him, is giving him a good home, but comes to their senses to return him. Okay, they may not know where the Yorkie belongs, but they know where they picked him up - that is a good starting place! If I found a Yorkie roaming about, I would definitely get him. - It is NOT safe for such a little Yorkie to be out. But I would go to the doors around, post signs, etc.

So very sad....hope this ends up well for all! Our thoughts and prayers are with this family.

[Donna Jean]

My biggest fear is losing one of my Yorkie Babies, so many are lost, stolen, or accidentley let out, without the owner knowing, I have gates at the top of the stairs, the bottom, and I have the outside gate in the yard is always locked! You can not be too careful when you yorkie babies is concerned, our worst lessons are often learned the hard way, I pray their dog is found, I suggest always keeping your Yorkie protected be being on a harness and leash that is always in your hand, or in a crate when you are not able to watch your baby when you are at an outside outing. I also suggest a backpac when hiking, or biking with your little fur baby, as I said you can not be too careful, my heart goes out to anyone that has had to learn their lessons the hard way, it only takes a second and your baby can be in danger. A lady in Texas opened her car door to get some gas, her yorkie jumped out of the door, and ran down the highway, it was dusk and their yorkie was not found. You even have to keep them under your control in the car.

My heart breaks for anyone who have had thier yorkie, lost or stolen, people are brazin when it comes to getting a yorkie, they will steel them out of your arms, house, yard, car and patio, yorkies are sooooo friendly that almost anyone can pick them up. You have to be careful when you have people over, make sure your yorkie is protected in a locked cage, so he can not be stolen from your home when your children have kids over. Protect them from people who come to your house to offer some kind of service, as i said you can not be toooooo careful, and have to be one step ahead to keep your precious baby protected!!!!!!!

[CardsGrl]

Wow you poor guys and that little one bless ur hearts i sure hope you find polo soon and will pray for that hun. please keep us up to date as to any leads u get on this matter. I know i would be devestated if mine got stolen, they are my babies....