UPDATE: Unfortunately, Kayla the dog was found dead on the side of the road a few days later. RIP Kayla.
A Midlands, South Carolina man is asking for help after his company vehicle was stolen with his 11-year-old dog in the passenger seat.
James “Scotty” Johnson says he doesn’t go anywhere without his Boxer-Pit Bull mix Kayla. On Saturday, Johnson was doing some yard work for the company he works for when someone stole his company vehicle with his dog inside.
“Every single day she has been with me. Everybody that knows me if you saw me you saw the dog. I know I am getting a little choked up but she’s my daughter,” said a teary-eyed Johnson. “I have a daughter that’s eighteen months old and this dog has been there ever since. This dog has probably kept me and my wife through some tough times together.”
Johnson says he left Kayla in the front seat with the truck running. The truck is a two door, blue, 2007 Nissan Titan valued at $27,000. He says more than $5,500 dollars of lawncare equipment was attached to a trailer behind the truck. Johnson however, says he just wants his dog back.
“I may never see her again. I’m crying over my dog. I don’t want the truck back. I just want my dog back. I hope somebody sees it. I’m on TV crying over my dog. Please help me get my dog back,” said Johnson.
According to the incident report from the Columbia South Carolina Police Department, a .38 caliber derringer pistol was also in the glove compartment.
Officers put a call out over the radio to try and locate the car but were unsuccessful. Columbia Police have assigned an investigator to the case and are continuing to look into this matter.
If you have seen the truck, trailer or dog, please call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
I was sad to read this story and understand what the man must have been going through – I would go crazy if anyone else stole my Emma. And then I was shocked to see the update that Kayla was found dead. I hope she did not suffer at all and was not scared for a moment. Poor Kayla and poor Mr. Johnson. It will take him a long time to stop 2nd guessing himself about leaving her in the running car. I’m not blaming him but I know how I would feel.
I’m truly sorry for you loss Scotty!!! It’s a sad freaking world what people can/will do to animals. My prayer’s go out to you. I hope they catch the jerk that did it & sentence him to death!! I love all animal’s. I’m so sorry & I cried with you. Hug’s to your sorrow.
So sad to read the story. I’m sorry for the loss.