I saw a friend as I went to the office and asked her to go get Brenda, my neighbor who knew Riley's story. The former owner was freaking out in the office screaming and cursing, so the office called the police. I was in shock and could not talk. The stupid officer, I am sorry, he was, said since she was holding the dog, it was hers. SHE STOLE IT - OF COURSE SHE WAS HOLDING IT!
Long story short, the next day, I asked a neighbor to drive me to my vet's to get records for that last two years. Why? I do not know, but I felt that it was important, if I went to the police about it. Providence stepped in when I was coming down the elevator to my floor after visiting with another neighbor; the doors opened and there was the thief with Riley. Even with my damaged right shoulder I was able to grab him back. I immediately went the a friend's on the 4th floor, leaving my door open and my keys on the counter.
A little later my friend's husband went down to get my keys and my friend Brenda and when they came back, he told me that the police were at my door. Brenda went with me back to the first floor and she had my papers for safekeeping since I was not thinking right.
One of the sheriffs walked up to me and said he was disgusted to be called out another day about this "dog." I was afraid to say anything but when I tried he told me to shut up. He berated me for a while and then said - "you can talk now." (I wonder if he talks to his mother that way- I am 74) I told Brenda to give him the papers from the vet. He looked at them and I could see he was shocked. He then asked the woman if she had anything showing ownership from the last two years. She shook her head. HE THEN SAID TAKE YOUR DOG, TO ME.
Riley is back and we both are recuperating. He is not his usual self, but I am not either. It will take a while for us to get over it. We are both old. But we will and I can tell you with truth, I have gotten so many kisses since he came back. I know he is happier. And of course I am.