Watch CBS News

Bronze Dog Statue Stolen From Marin Humane Society

NOVATO (CBS 5) -- Skippy the dog was an ambassador for the Marin Humane Society. Just weeks after his death, a bronze statue donated in Skippy's honor has gone missing.

Before his death on July 17th, the Jack Russell terrier worked as a therapy dog for the humane society. Tom and Marianne O'Connell donated the statue to honor Skippy's work.

According to the humane society, the statue was stolen from the society's dog park in Novato last weekend.

"We're not sure, there are some theories," said Carrie Harrington of the humane society. "The statue was made out of bronze, so there are some theories that perhaps somebody was looking to make some money off of it."

The theft of Skippy's statue added insult to the pain of loss felt by the O'Connell's. Tom O'Connell told CBS 5, "Skippy had something special, kind of cheered everyone up when he was around."

According to O'Connell, Skippy worked as a therapy dog in multiple venues. "The Marin County school system, working with special needs children," O'Connell said. "And most recently he became a volunteer in hospice where he'd visit hospice patients one day a week as well, and he was the first dog that actually started that program."

The Marin Humane Society said it could replace the statue. The O'Connell's said while they cannot replace Skippy, they will have another dog follow in his footsteps.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.