Former Volunteer Stole Little Dog From Animal Shelter

EATONTOWN, NJ - Tub Tub, the little 9-pound Pomeranian stolen from the Monmouth County SPCA on Christmas Eve, has been found and is safe.

"The MCSPCA is happy and relieved tonight to announce that, thanks to the quick work of staff and our Humane Law Enforcement team, Tub Tub has been recovered," according to a post on the organization's Facebook page.

Eatontown police arrested Susan Bajew, 63, Neptune, on Wednesday, after they located her after they received a tip, according to the police department's Facebook page.

Bajew was a customer that day at the shelter and a former volunteer, police said.

"During an interview, she confessed to taking the dog due to not having any money to buy it," according to the Facebook post. "The dog has already been returned to the shelter."

The arresting officer was Eatontown Detective Jason Cardamoni with the co-complainant Lt. Tom Nucio from the SPCA.

Tub Tub is being evaluated by MCSPCA veterinarians, who will decide when he can be reunited with the family that was slated to adopt him the day he was stolen.

"Thank you to everyone who shared his post, which ultimately led to his return!" the post states.

The SPCA earlier today had offered at $500 reward leading to the little dog's safe return.

Patch will update when more information is available.

Photo: Courtesy of the Monmouth County SPCA

Bajew photo: Eatontown Police Department