Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

Stolen Service Dog And Heartbroken Human Share Beautiful Reunion

Written by: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartDogs, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| Published on April 20, 2022

Aaron Morris and his service dog Jolene are inseparable. Morris struggles with his mental health, so his loving Pit Bull is always there to comfort him. Without Jolene, Morris feels lost and heartbroken.

One day, his worst nightmare came to life. Someone stole his car, which had his phone, medications, and Jolene inside it! All his other stolen belongings seemed insignificant though in comparison to the canine. All he wanted was Jolene back, no questions asked. He wasn’t himself without his service dog to cheer him up. Luckily, their time apart didn’t last long.

Man and his service dog
Image: Aaron Morris Facebook

Everything Falls Apart

Morris left his car running while he ran inside the gas station. During that time, a man approached the car and looked at it, but then walked away. After that, Morris drove to the Dollar General across the street, and the suspect followed in his own car. When Morris ran inside, the suspect stole his car and drove away with some of his important belongings. Sadly, Jolene was gone.

Without his medications and his loyal service dog, Morris grew incredibly anxious. Usually, Jolene was able to cheer him up in times like that. Morris’ sister tried to comfort him, but she said he wasn’t acting like himself and he refused to eat until Jolene was located.

Pit Bull service dog
Image: Aaron Morris Facebook

“I don’t know if she’s eating,” said Morris. “I’ll eat when she comes home.”

Security videos captured images of the suspect and his car. The thief hasn’t been located yet, but if anyone has any information, they are urged to call the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina.

wanted car and dog thief
Image: @HaywoodNCSheriff/Facebook

An Emotional Reunion

A few days after the robbery, someone found Jolene wandering the streets. They turned her in to the Morristown Hamblen Humane Society in Tennessee. Shelter staff tried to call the number on her tags, but no one answered since Morris’ phone had been in the stolen car. Yet, the shelter didn’t give up. They knew someone had to be looking for this loving dog, so they turned to Facebook to find Jolene’s family.

“It’s life and death for my brother, he’s talking not normal,” said Morris’ sister, Ashley Adevai. “I’m very worried about him if the dog does not come back.”

Pit Bull kisses
Image: @morristownhamblenhumane/Facebook

Sure enough, someone on social media was able to reunite Jolene with Morris. The shelter captured a heartfelt video of the Pit Bull rushing over to her human and showering him with kisses. Their lives are whole once again.

Officials are still on the lookout for Morris’ car, but Morris doesn’t seem too concerned about it. All that matters to him is that Jolene is safe. Items can be replaced, but dogs are family members.

Watch the Heartfelt Reunion Video Here:

H/T: wlos.com
Featured Image: @morristownhamblenhumane/Facebook

Recent Articles

Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

Read the Blog