Thieves yanked a cuddly little yorkie out of a Flatbush Avenue pet store on Feb. 16 without knowing the eight-week old pup’s true value — if the dog isn’t found, the store it was taken from may have to close.
Puppy Paradise owner David Dietz said that his business is in such dire straits that the loss of the $1,400 pooch could sink his shop between Avenue P and Quentin Road.
“This one puppy can put us out of business,” Deitz said, explaining why he is so desperate to have the dog returned to him — and that cops throw the flea bag poachers who pinched the unnamed tail-wagger in jail.
Surveillance footage shows one of the thieves acting as a lookout while the other stuffed the adorable, one-pound, black and brown pooch into his jacket pocket. A few minutes later, the two thieves walk out of the store — $1,400 richer.
But the thieves may have already caused the little dog’s demise.
Yorkies — which range in price from $500 to $1,500 — require specific food and regular vaccinations to keep them from developing hyperglycemia, a condition that can result in sickness, organ failure and even death, said Deitz, who fears that the puppy hasn’t been properly cared for since it was dog-napped.
“My employees are all crying,” Deitz said. “We’re all worried about this puppy. It only takes a day and a half, two days tops without proper treatment for [them] to expire.”
But cops may have a break in the case: a store employee has helped police identify two possible suspects by comparing the surveillance video to pictures in the 63rd Precinct’s mug books. The two men were still being sought by Monday night, police said.
Dietz’s financial troubles started well before the thieves took his Yorkie. His business has been struggling ever since his wife and business partner slapped him with divorce papers four years ago, he said.
Anyone with information regarding this dog-napping is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at (800) 577-8477. All calls will be kept confidential.
Reach reporter Colin MIxson at cmixson@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4514.
