Stolen Dog Returned to 92-Year-Old D.C. Man

A 92-year-old Northwest Washington man whose dog was stolen on Tuesday said today that he feels like he "hit the $50 million lottery" after being reunited with the pet.

Charles E. Boyd celebrated the return of Sparky, a Shih Tzu-poodle mix that has been his companion for about six years, ever since the dog was a puppy. A friend took Sparky for a walk on Tuesday evening and was climbing the steps to Boyd's Columbia Heights house when he noticed that the dog got away.

Police believe that two youths ran off with the pet.

The theft drew widespread media attention, and an unidentified man familiar with the dog and owner found Sparky on Saturday and returned him at 8:30 that night, D.C. police said. The dog was unharmed. Police released no other details.

Boyd's niece, Sandra Keys, said that he is "elated" and "finally back to normal" now that Sparky is home.