JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A bittersweet reunion for one animal rescue group after their Rottweiler puppies finally made it home. Last week, nine 8-week-old puppies were stolen from a foster parent's home on the Westside.
A representative from Guardian Angel Rescue contacted News4Jax and confirmed that all nine puppies were found and are in a safe place. The only one missing now is the puppies' mother, Mama Bear, who was not recovered. (pictured below)
Recommended Videos
"On Friday Jan. 9, we were forced to pay a substantial sum to the three subjects who had the puppies in their possession," Guardian Angel Rescue said in a statement. "We were told by them, 'If you want the puppies you can buy them from me; if not I'm selling them this weekend. I'm going to make my money. Get the money and you can have them.' So we did what they asked, because like we have always said, it has never been about the money, it's always been about the safety and well-being of our rescues."
The organization thanked News4Jax, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and the Pelham Police Department in Georgia for all their efforts, as well as those who helped spread the word through social media.
The representative from the rescue said that she was ultimately hurt and felt like she was taken advantage of.
"My biggest concern is the mom right now," the representative said. "I hope that they do the right thing and let her be happy. Don't continue to torture her and use her for your source of funds. Dogs are not there to make people money, they're there to make people companions."
If you have any information regarding this case please contact the Pelham Police Department in Georgia at 229-294-6003, or Guardian Angel Rescue at garescue4@aol.com.
Click here if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to Guardian Angel Rescue.