In a heartwarming turn of events, Mr. Deeds, a 10-foot stuffed dog mascot belonging to the Good Deed Project in Las Vegas, has been rescued after being stolen. The beloved plush pooch was taken on November 5, but thanks to the vigilance of the community and a tip-off, he was recovered just three days later, bringing joy back to the non-profit organization.
Key Takeaways
- Mr. Deeds, a 700-pound stuffed dog, was stolen from the Good Deed Project.
- He was found three days later in a business parking lot, still on a trailer.
- The recovery involved police assistance and community support.
- Mr. Deeds sustained minor damage during the theft but is now back home.
The Theft Incident
On the early morning of November 5, Mr. Deeds was snatched from the Good Deed Project’s warehouse located at Eastern Avenue and Sunset Road. The theft was captured on surveillance footage, showing the dognapping occurring around 4 a.m. The massive stuffed dog, weighing 700 pounds, was a cherished mascot for the organization, which focuses on community service and charitable acts.
Community Involvement
The recovery of Mr. Deeds was made possible by a good Samaritan named Shawn, who spotted the stolen trailer while driving his semi-truck. Recognizing the vehicle from social media posts, he promptly alerted the non-profit, leading to a swift response from the organization and local news outlets.
The Recovery Process
Upon arriving at the scene at the corner of Rainbow Boulevard and Spring Mountain Road, Mandy Telleria, the Executive Director of the Good Deed Project, was astonished to find Mr. Deeds still on the trailer. The stuffed dog was discovered wrapped up and attached to a black Lincoln Navigator, with the alleged thief attempting to charge the vehicle’s batteries.
Metro Police were called to the scene, and as they arrived, the suspect attempted to flee but was unable to escape. The police are currently investigating the incident, but no arrests have been made yet.
Mr. Deeds’ Condition
Despite the joyous reunion, Mr. Deeds did not come back unscathed. According to Telleria, the stuffed dog suffered some damage during his time away, including two broken legs and a slightly ruffled nose. However, the non-profit is committed to restoring him to his former glory.
Future Security Measures
In light of this incident, the Good Deed Project plans to enhance security measures to protect their beloved mascot and ensure the safety of their staff and volunteers. Discussions are underway about possibly microchipping Mr. Deeds to prevent future thefts.
Conclusion
The return of Mr. Deeds has not only brought relief to the Good Deed Project but has also highlighted the power of community involvement in recovering stolen property. As the organization moves forward, they remain grateful for the support they received during this challenging time, proving that even in difficult situations, a little help can go a long way.
Sources
- Las Vegas non-profit’s stolen 10-foot stuffed dog rescued, returned, KLAS 8 News Now.
- Las Vegas non-profit’s stolen 10-foot dog mascot recovered, KLAS 8 News Now.
