Calgary family’s dog safe after going missing in stolen SUV

A dog that went missing after the SUV it was inside was stolen has been returned safe and sound.

Jeff and Tanya Morris were dropping off their daughter at a downtown Calgary dance competition on Sunday when their vehicle was taken.

The pair left the black 2013 Ford Explorer XLT running outside the BMO Centre on Roundup Way S.W. at around 7:50 a.m., and found it was gone when they came back outside.

Fozzy, a two-year-old shepherd, husky and chow mix, was inside the vehicle.

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The family spoke with Global News on Sunday, pleading for the dog’s safe return, saying Fozzy was “like a family member.”

On Monday, the family called Global News to say Fozzy had been found in Okotoks and was back in their care.

The Morris family used to live in Okotoks, but moved to Calgary two months ago.

Tanya Morris said the family’s four-legged friend was found by a woman who had been told about Fozzy’s disappearance by a friend of the family.

“They called us and said ‘we have your dog,’” Tanya said.

“I think I’m still in shock,” she said, saying the family is relieved and happy to have the dog home.

“We were ecstatic finding out Fozzy had been found. It’s just been an emotional rollercoaster.”

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As for Fozzy, Tanya said he was hungry and thirsty upon returning home.

“He was shedding a lot. He’s not much of a shedder – even though he is a fuzzball,” she said. “I think he’s been through a little bit of stress.”

“He wasn’t hurt or harmed, I don’t think.”

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“The pads on his feet were pretty worn down, so I think he’s been walking a few miles.”

The family’s SUV remains missing.

Tanya said they take “full responsibility” for leaving the vehicle running when it was stolen and realize it was a mistake, calling it bad judgment.

– With files from Lisa MacGregor