When Army Private First Class Katelyn Gallagher left in May for basic training, she entrusted the care of her beloved dog, Buck, a 5-year old Bloodhound, with a friend. But when she returned home last month, she learned that her “friend” had sold her best buddy.
After news of losing Buck spread last week, Gallagher received tips that finally helped her locate him.
She tracked Buck to a home located in an east Cleveland suburb. Katelyn says police went to the home, and the family told an officer that they received the __dog from Angelo Sullo, the person who was to watch Buck while she was away on leave.
But, even after learning the truth about Buck, the family is refusing to return him to his rightful owner.
“Words will never be enough to explain how grateful I am or be able to explain the flush of emotions I felt upon finding Buck’s location, “ Katelyn explained to Fox8. “I am so thankful that he is alive. Unfortunately, my heartache is not over though. I am sorry for the family Angelo Sullo gave Buck too. I know how amazing of a boy my Buck is, so I can understand how this is a shock for them. Sadly, the family is not willing to return my boy to me. They act as though he should be theirs. I am heartbroken. I am begging this family to do the right thing.”
Gallagher offered to pay any fees for the family to adopt another __dog in exchange for the return of her beloved boy.
“He is very, very, sweet,” Gallagher said. “I got him when he was 9 months old. He is like my son, he is my best friend. I really want him back. This has been very difficult for me.”
Now, it looks as though Gallagher will need to file a civil lawsuit. It will likely be up to a judge to determine Buck’s rightful owner.
Meanwhile, Angelo Sullo has pleaded not guilty to petty theft charges.
