Dog in back seat of stolen car returned after trip to Wichita

EMPORIA, Kan., March 17 (UPI) -- A dog from Kansas was returned home following an unexpected road trip to Wichita after being left in its owner's stolen car.

Wichita police department shared a photo of the dog, named Gunner, and told the story of his unplanned trip across state lines.

Gunner's owner left the dog waiting patiently inside his truck, as he entered a courthouse in Emporia to renew his auto tags.

An unknown man broke into the vehicle while Gunner's owner was in the courthouse and began driving to Wichita, not realizing the dog was in the back seat.

Wichita police worked together with Lyon county sheriff Deputy Doug Stump to track down the owner's vehicle and his loyal pet.

"Gunner and the truck were abandoned in the 500 block of N. Topeka," Wichita police wrote. "Officer Duggan recovered the truck and Gunner, a friendly dog spent the night in Wichita."

The dog and his owner were then reunited in Emporia and the suspect was apprehended on charges of theft.

Lyon county sheriff's office also commented on the incident and noted the help provided by the Wichita police.

"Both agencies worked great together to find the truck and return Gunner to his owner very quickly," they wrote.