High-priced dogs stolen from homes in Bellingham and Milford. Police are investigating

Police in Bellingham and Milford are investigating the thefts of high-priced dogs from two residences.

Bellingham police said someone stole two micro-American bullies last Saturday night from a North Street residence. Milford police said someone stole a French bulldog Tuesday from a home on Main Street.

On Friday, Milford police announced that the French bulldog, "MyLove," was returned to the owner, but did not release any other details.

"It's unusual," said Bellingham Police Lt. Stephen Daigle . "You don't usually hear about dogs being stolen so often, especially similar breeds."

In regard to the Bellingham incident, a North Street resident was told by a neighbor they saw someone on their property. When the neighbor investigated to see if anyone was there, they noticed two puppies were stolen. One was a tan male with white on his chest and the second was a tan female with white on her chest and head.

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Daigle said the micro-American bullies are valued at about $3,000 apiece. Micro-American bullies grow to about 35 to 40 pounds, less than half the size of a regular American bulldog.

Two suspects were seen walking through the property on a Ring camera, police said. On Sunday, police returned to the property after receiving a call about a suspicious person. They said that man is a person of interest but cannot confirm if he is involved in the theft.

In Milford, owner heard dog give 'quick yelp'

The Milford incident occurred about 11 p.m. Tuesday, according to Police Chief Robert Tusino. The owner reported the theft after someone entered her home and stole MyLove.

"She (the owner) was in the house, and she heard her dog give a quick yelp," said Tusino. "She turned around and the dog was gone. She went outside and didn't see anybody."

The missing dog is a 1.5-year-old female French bulldog. It's black with white on its chest, and is also valued at about $3,000.

The owner, Karen Zhanay, could not be reached for comment on Thursday, but told WCVB-TV that her dog meant a lot to her because she could not have children.

"She let out a small shriek like she was scared," Zhanay told WCVB. "I didn’t find anything, and she was just gone."

Tusino said investigators believe whoever stole MyLove is familiar with the dog.

"The (rear) door was unlocked and it seems they just opened the door and grabbed her and left," the chief said. "She was known for going to the door anytime anyone opened it. We think it may be someone who had knowledge of that."

Daigle said investigators from both communities are working together but have not been able to confirm whether the thefts are related.

"There's nothing indicating they're connected," he said.

Milford police said, despite the return of the French bulldog, they plan to continue investigating.

Anyone with information about the Bellingham thefts is asked to call 508-966-1515. Anyone with information about the Milford theft is asked to call the confidential tipline at 508-473-3800 or email at tipline@milfordpolice.org.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: High-priced dogs stolen from homes in Bellingham and Milford. Police are investigating