Couple hope to get kidnapped pooch back

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NEW YORK, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- A New York man says a woman kidnapped his dog when he left the pooch outside a Starbucks for a few minutes so he could buy his wife a cappuccino.

David Maidman said he left the 8-year-old labradoodle, Teddy, tied to a phone booth, something he has done many times, the New York Post reported.

I consider him like a son," Maidman said.

"I'm 76. I've had dogs all my life -- this one is the best. I spend more time with him than any human being, actually."

Maidman and his wife, Nancy, posted 200 flyers around their Upper East Side neighborhood after the dog was taken Sept. 11. They have also posted a notice on Craigslist offering a reward.

A friend with connections finally convinced police to get involved this week, Nancy Maidman said.

Police were following up on a tip from a Food Emporium employee who said a "distraught" woman bought dog food the night the labradoodle was taken. They have found video surveillance footage of a young woman with what appears to be the missing pooch. The clip was released Friday.