Puppy Stolen At Gunpoint In Venice, $1K Reward Offered

VENICE, CA — A shepherd puppy named Sosa was stolen at gunpoint Saturday night near the Venice Beach boardwalk and a $1,000 reward was offered for its safe return, no questions asked.

Three men reportedly stole the dog near 19th Avenue and 20th Avenue, near Ocean Front Walk. The incident happened just off the boardwalk.

The announcement was posted on Nextdoor. The owner was taking Sosa for a walk and is devastated.

Anyone with information was asked to call 571-232-5130.

Last week, two armed men stole Koji and Gustav, two of Lady Gaga's French bulldogs, about 9:40 p.m. near 1500 N. Sierra Bonita Ave. They shot and wounded her dog walker Ryan Fischer, 39, and left him in a pool of his own blood on the sidewalk. The dogs were safely returned over the weekend.

Another neighbor and dog owner lost their French bulldog Melo on Sept. 26. The owner has been very sad since it happened five months ago and continues to ask for help finding the dog. Melo has been seen with people on the boardwalk and on Speedway, according to the owner.

Melo weighs 30 pounds, has a "white star" marking on its chest and wears a purple harness, according to the missing-pet flyer, which also notes the dog takes medications for skin and allergy conditions. Melo was last seen on the 2700 block of Neilson Way in Santa Monica.

Anyone who sees Melo can contact 424-209-7513 or email help@bringmelohome.com.

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