Puppy stolen at Oakville restaurant has been found

OAKVILLE — It’s been a rollercoaster of emotion for Matthew Granger — one that’s ended on a joyous note.

“I’m just so happy to have him back and overwhelmed at how the community rallied around me,” he said Monday evening, having literally just walked into his condo after getting his stolen puppy Tank back — offering good boy validation upon seeing the 14-week-old dachshund use his pee pad.

“I don’t think he’d eaten in a while, but he seems fine … in good spirits.”

Social media blew up once word that Tank had been taken from in front of Oakville’s Ritorno Restaurant on Oak Walk Drive last Thursday night.

Granger had been planting flowers in the patio area of his family’s restaurant — with the puppy tied up beside him — when he popped in to wash his hands.

No sooner did he return than a woman rushed in and said a young couple had taken the dog.

“It couldn’t have been more than two minutes. I’m completely mortified,” said Granger the next day. “Never in a million years would I think this could happen in this area.”

A thorough investigation quickly ensued, and — with the public’s assistance — police were able to locate the dog Monday afternoon and return him to Granger.

There’s no further details at this time, as the matter remains under investigation.

“I can’t be more thankful. It’s too soon to know for sure, but I think that (social media engagement) had the biggest role in getting Tank back. It’s amazing to think how much people care and it goes to show you how powerful social media can be,” Granger said.