Rein-dog Disappearance Leaves Pet Groomer Puzzled

A hole in the tree in front of Harbor Pets Grooming today is all that's left of a wooden rein-dog used that used to occupy a spot in Santa's sleigh team.

And that has resulted in a hole in the heart of the shop's owners.

This morning Mary and Kelly Neville found the cutout missing from its space along the log, causing consternation and curiosity as to who would do such a thing here in the Harbor - and more importantly, why?

"It was the one on the shortest pole, so I guess it was probably easier to fit in their car," Kelly Neville, who crafted the cute cutouts last year, surmised.

Mary Neville joked that she plans on putting out an all-points-bulletin for the pilfered pooch. She just hopes he will be returned by Christmas Eve, in time to make the toy deliveries with Santa and the other two rein-dogs.

"He was there yesterday and gone this morning, so someone must have taken him in the middle of the night," she said. "It's sad, but I just want him back."

Kelly was philosophical about the whole situation.

"I'm mostly mad, but sorta happy because they wanted my dog," he said. "It's no big deal. I can always make another one."

He also had some advice as to how to identify the (fake) animal.

"We think he was Blitzen. But now he's missin'." 

If anyone has any information about the missing Harbor Pets Grooming rein-dog, please contact the Nevilles at 727-724-4104.