Swampscott

Elderly dog taken from front yard in Swampscott, found after search

"She's a member of our family," said Amy Rada, who's had Trudy since she was four months old. "You don't just take a dog out of a yard."

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A 14-year-old dog was taken from her front yard in Swampscott, Massachusetts, Tuesday morning before being found, police said, saying she'll be reunited with her owners.

Investigators released photos of a man and a woman seen on camera taking the 14-year-old hound mix, Trudy, from the home on Bates Road around 10 a.m. They were driving a white van.

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Police said the "beloved family pet" recently had back surgery, and asked anyone with information to call them.

"She's a member of our family," said Amy Rada, who's had Trudy since she was four months old. "You don't just take a dog out of a yard."

By evening, someone called Swampscott police to say they had taken the dog in "a well-intended mistake," the department said, adding that, "thanks to the power of social media and support from the community who shared, searched, and sent well-wishes, this story has a happy ending."

The dog and her family will be reunted at the Swampscott Police Station Tuesday night, officials said.

Rada said that the video showing Trudy being taken, with one person wrapping a rope around her neck while another entices her with treats, made it seem "like a very intentional thing."

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