WAUKEGAN, Ill. (CBS) — A Waukegan family pleaded Tuesday night for the safe return of a beloved therapy dog that was stolen a few days ago.
The shih-tzu, Bella, is the companion of a woman with dementia. Missing dog posters have been put up and the woman’s daughter, Princess Hemphill, said the absence of Bella’s bark and bright eyes has left a void.
“It’s been incredibly stressful here,” Hemphill said.
Last Friday, the shih-tzu managed to get out of the house when the family was not home.
“Our dog ran out of the backyard and got loose,” Hemphill said. “A new neighbor found the dog.”
By the time Bella got to the sidewalk, a neighbor new to the neighborhood picked her up and went to many houses – looking for the rightful owner. The neighbor came across a man nearby who falsely claimed to be the owner.
“And she gave it to him,” Hemphill said.
No one has seen Bella since.
Hemphill family
Bella is not only the family pet, but also the main companion of Doris, Princess Hemphill’s 79-year-old mother. For the past decade, Doris Hemphill has suffered from dementia – and today she can’t talk or walk.
Bella is the therapy dog who keeps Hemphill’s mother calm.
When Bella sits on Doris Hemphill’s lap, she is “very calm, content and happy,” says Doris Hemphill’s husband, Alvin Hemphill.
But since last Friday, Alvin Hemphill hasn’t seen his love of 62 years smile much. It’s the main reason why they want whoever claimed Bella to bring her back.
Alvin Hemphill said something is missing for his wife because she can’t hold Bella on her lap and pet her.
There’s a $500 reward for Bella’s return – no questions asked – because it will mean the world to Doris Hemphill BN to have her emotional support buddy back in her arms.
“I know she’s cute and well cared for,” Princess Hemphill said, “but please, we need her because of who she is to our family.”
Jermont Terry
