$1,000 Reward Offered After Rescue Dog Is Reportedly Stolen From North Carolina Animal Shelter Fundraiser

This was after 10 rescue dogs were brought to the event, raising money for the Pawfect Match Rescue in Holly Springs, North Carolina.

A rescue dog was allegedly stolen from an animal shelter during its biggest fundraising night of the year. 

"We're shocked, we're sad, we're mad." board member and legal council Debbie Sandlin said. "We're every emotion you could imagine and disappointed. Um, and just sorry that someone felt like they had to steal a puppy."

Ten rescue dogs were brought to the event, raising money for the Pawfect Match Rescue in Holly Springs, North Carolina, including Ms. Persy. 

Surveillance video shows a woman in a sweatshirt pick up the pit bull mix from her pen. The woman had previously been seen playing with Ms. Persy and inquired about adoption, according to Sandlin. 

When the woman asked about adopting a puppy, a volunteer told her they have an adoption process to ensure each dog is placed with the most suitable home, Sandlin said.

The woman held the dog for about 10 minutes and then put her back in the pen, left and returned almost immediately, Sandlin said. She then walked by a volunteer and several people, picked up the puppy and walked out, Sandlin said.

Cameras then catch her walking out with the pup.

"They left the place and she came back," Sandlin said. "They knew what they were doing."

The woman appeared to have left the event in a light-colored car, according to Sandlin.

The non-profit is now offering a $1,000 reward for Ms. Persy's safe return to the shelter. 

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