'They're inseparable': Family searches for man's companion dog missing in North Philadelphia
A North Philadelphia family is searching for a missing Shih Tzu that serves as a companion animal for a man with disabilities after the dog was taken nearly a week ago.
According to his mother, 47-year-old Jamal and his dog, Cody, are rarely apart.
"They're inseparable," Diane Newman said.
Cody was taken from a pole near Berks and Van Pelt streets in North Philadelphia last Sunday. The incident was captured on video shortly after 6 p.m.
Newman said the footage shows a young girl approaching Cody, removing the leash from the pole and walking away with the dog.
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All right, Maggie, and now the details tonight.
A family in North Philadelphia is issuing
a plea for the return of their beloved dog.
A tiny Shih Tzu named Cody was stolen last weekend.
Cody is a beloved companion of a man
who has lived his life with physical and developmental challenges.
And this evening, he is desperate to get Cody back.
Actually, this is Leland Pinder,
live in North Philadelphia with the latest on the search for Cody.
Yeah, Rick and Maggie, take a look here.
These flyers going up all over this North Philadelphia neighborhood.
A woman here asking folks to call this number
if they know where that dog might be.
If it's not found by Sunday,
that will mark a week that Cody's been missing.
There and something.
47-year-old Jamal and his Shih Tzu Cody
are rarely apart, according to his mom,
but it's been almost a week since they've been together.
Last Sunday, Cody was taken from a pole near Berks
and Van Pelt Streets in North Philadelphia.
It would mean the world for Jamal to get his dog back,
as well as his family.
That's Jamal's buddy. That's Jamal's companion.
Newman's son suffered serious injuries
after being hit by a car as a child
and is also disabled with limited communication and mobility.
Mom is doing everything she can to find Cody,
including putting up flyers in the neighborhood.
I really, really advocate for my son.
Anything you need and want, I'm Johnny on the spot.
The incident was captured on video just after 6 p.m.
A young girl approaches Cody,
takes the leash off the pole, and walks away.
Newman says Cody had been left there accidentally,
maybe for at least two hours,
after her elderly fiancé took him for a walk to the store.
He feels terrible about this. Really, really bad.
Newman says she spoke with the girl seen in the video
who indicated Cody may have changed hands multiple times since then.
Despite a few leads, the family has no idea where Cody is now.
Police are investigating and joined the search Friday.
Whoever had Cody, I hope you take care of my son's dog.
Yeah, she just really hopes someone sees these flyers,
maybe sees this report and can help out.
She says someone has contacted her,
possibly wanting to offer a reward for Cody's return.
But until then, she's just asking for the public's help.
We're live here in North Philadelphia,
Leland Pinder, Channel 6, Action News.
Maggie?
Hopeful for a reunion. Leland, thank you.