Anchor reporting on stolen dog sees same dog walking down street

Although not as widespread as it once was, dognapping remains a frightening reality for pet owners. Decades ago, stolen dogs were often sold to laboratories for research, but the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 drastically reduced those cases. Today, thieves usually target pets for quick profit, either by reselling them or demanding ransom from desperate owners. One of the best defenses against this crime is microchipping, which makes it easier to reunite stolen pets with their families.

A recent incident in Boston showed just how much difference one sharp set of eyes can make. Juliana Mazza, a reporter for 7News, was covering a story about a missing dog named Titus when she noticed a man walking a pup that looked strikingly familiar. Trusting her instincts, Juliana approached him, posing as a journalist looking for a quick interview.

As she spoke with the man, she discreetly checked the dog’s tag and confirmed what she already suspected—it was Titus. In that instant, the alleged thief froze, realizing he’d been exposed. Without hesitation, Juliana dialed 911. Police rushed to the scene, arrested the man on charges of larceny and breaking into a vehicle, and secured Titus’s safe return.

The reunion between Titus and his owner, Greg, was emotional and heartwarming. Overcome with relief, Greg held his dog tightly, grateful not only for the police but also for Juliana’s courage and quick thinking. Her actions turned what could have been another tragic dognapping into a story of hope—and a reminder that sometimes, heroes step in when we least expect them.

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