Canine Alert: Unrelated to the Pair, It Sounds the Warning for Possible Dog Theft at the Store.
In a remarkable turn of events, a five-month-old Australian shepherd named Vango played an unexpected role in his own rescue by alerting staff at a pet store in Gatineau, Quebec, potentially preventing what could have been a dognapping.
Vango’s intuition and insistence caught the attention of Yves Jodoin, a dog trainer and staff member at Au Royaume des Animaux, where the incident unfolded. On the day in question, Vango was accompanied by a couple who were known to frequent the store for cat food. However, Vango’s behavior seemed peculiar to Jodoin – the pup was barking and trying to engage his attention, as if he had something important to convey.
This unusual behavior raised suspicions, especially when the couple appeared evasive and uninformed about Vango’s basic details. They struggled to answer straightforward questions about the dog’s age, health, diet, and purchase price. Despite their efforts to deflect, Vango’s persistence and Jodoin’s instincts eventually led to the truth.
A coworker, alerted by Vango’s peculiar behavior, decided to investigate further. A quick online search revealed that Vango had been reported missing from his home in Buckingham, Quebec, just a couple of hours prior to the incident at the pet store. It was then that Jodoin recognized the dog – he had trained Vango as a young puppy.
Realization dawned upon Jodoin, and he summoned Vango with a command he knew the dog would respond to. Vango’s excited reaction confirmed what Jodoin suspected – the dog in front of him was indeed the missing Vango, and not the dog the couple claimed to have found.
The couple’s story quickly unraveled, as they admitted to having found the dog in the woods. They justified their actions by stating that the woman needed a support animal due to her health condition. However, Jodoin, surrounded by witnesses, insisted that they return the dog to its rightful owner.
A call was made to Josée Francoeur, Vango’s owner, informing her of the astonishing discovery. Francoeur, who had been devastated by Vango’s disappearance earlier that day, was overcome with emotion upon receiving the news. She had diligently searched for her beloved pet, fearing the worst, and was almost ready to give up hope when the call came through.
The incident has prompted Francoeur to file a police report against the couple, not out of a desire for retribution, but to ensure they understand the gravity of their actions. She hopes to discourage others from engaging in similar behavior, which can cause immense distress to pet owners.
This heartwarming tale serves as a reminder of the strong bond between humans and their animal companions, and how sometimes, even the smallest actions by our furry friends can lead to the most extraordinary outcomes.
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