Crime & Safety

Update: Have You Seen This One-Eyed Dog? She Was Taken From Home

Corey was allegedly stolen while her owner was in the hospital and the owner's son was at work. A sheriff's detective will investigate.

Update 11:40 a.m. Sunday: The dog was returned Friday by a person who said they saw him walking down Palm Avenue. A reward of $500 was given to the person, according to Barbara Preston, a neighbor of the owner, who is ailing.

 

Friends of an area woman expected home from the hospital Saturday are seeking the public’s help in recovering her stolen dog, Corey.

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Wilma Lee Campion, 92, is recovering from a broken hip, but also relies on Corey, say neighbors.

Barbara Preston said Campion adopted the one-eyed dog from the animal shelter last year. He provided her with company, hearing assistance and security.

“After eight or nine weeks in rehab, all she wanted to do was be home with her dog,” said Preston, who has been Campion’s neighbor since 2005.

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“The basic thing is somebody broke in, and the dog is gone and she’s the constant companion and helpmate to an elderly woman, so we really need to get the word out to see if the dog is spotted.”

Preston called the loss “a terrible thing" and that she's concerned about her neighbor being home without her friend.

Campion has lived in Imperial Beach for more than 50 years.

About two weeks after she went to the hospital, someone spotted Corey was in her backyard and filed a report with Animal Control claiming that the dog looked neglected or abused.

Animal Control Services was called to the residence at least four times since last month, and each time found no signs of neglect or abuse, an Animal Control officer said.

Campion’s son Ken was watching Corey and the house while his mother was in the hospital.

Last Friday, while he was at work as a karaoke DJ, someone may have broken into the garage and took the dog.

He filed a report that said the home was burglarized Sunday.

No suspects have yet been identified and a detective will be assigned to investigate the case, said a sergeant with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Imperial Beach station.

If you know see Corey or know his whereabouts, please contact Animal Control Services at (619) 423-8306 or the sheriff’s Imperial Beach station at (619) 498-2400.


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