Glenpool Couple Warns Of Dognapping

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

GLENPOOL, OK -- A Glenpool couple is desperate to find their pet Shih Tzu after he was the victim of a dognapping.  They were eating lunch at a restaurant near 16th and Utica last Sunday and when they came outside, Gizmo was gone.

Gizmo is a purebred 16-month-old male Shih Tzu who loves to lick people and the beloved pet of Scott and Pam Shelnut.  They were having a belated Valentine's meal on Sunday and left Gizmo in the car for less than an hour.

"He noticed the back window of the truck was opened and we realized our dog was gone," said Pam Shelnut.

Pam and Scott have posted flyers in the neighborhood and on Craig's list, but there's been no sign of Gizmo.  They are devastated.

"We don't have kids, so he's pretty much our kid. He sleeps under our bed and every morning, he's in our life from early in the morning to evening time," said Scott Shelnut.

Gizmo was wearing a black and tan sweater that says woof and had two ID tags on his collar.

Tulsa Police say they've had a couple of these cases and believe the dogs are being sold.  They understand people want to take dogs everywhere, but they say it's no longer safe to leave them in the car.

The burglary detectives take these cases seriously and will follow up on tips.

"I talk about getting people's stuff back and it violating the sanctity of a home, but losing a pet is losing a family member and these are kidnappings that really hurt people," said Tulsa Police Sgt. Brandon Watkins.

Scott and Pam are hoping to get Gizmo back, but, at least, want to warn others.

"You just don't think somebody would stoop that low, just, usually never leave him alone more than 30 minutes to an hour tops, you never think it's something somebody would do," said Scott Shelnut.

Anyone with information about Gizmo can call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS or  contact Lori Fullbright at The News On 6.

Scott and Pam have had Gizmo for a year and he goes everywhere with them, shopping, running errands, camping, to the races.  For them, this is a big loss.