Stolen puppies found in separate locations; owner credits media

NEW CASTLE, PA.

A woman and her beloved puppies were re-united after they were reported stolen nearly 24 hours earlier.

Irene Matas said her two Boston terrier puppies showered her with licks when they were returned home Saturday.

“I felt like I must have had the cleanest face in town,” she said.

The 75-year-old, who is undergoing cancer treatment, said she had the two puppies for three weeks before someone broke into her home sometime Thursday night, or early Friday morning, while she and her brother were sleeping. The burglars took a 42-inch flat-screen TV, her purse, and a digital camera, along with the puppies, from her Mahoning Township home.

After offering a $1,500 reward and talking with local media outlets, she started receiving calls from people who had information about the stolen dogs. She then contacted the police and told them where the dogs might be.

The male puppy, Peanuts,was found in a New Castle home. The second puppy, Sissy, was found in Neshannock Township home.

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.