Puppy stolen from, then returned to Durham animal shelter finds forever home

Little Lazuli, the German-shepherd, boxer mix, was safely returned after the person who stole her turned themselves in. It only took a few days for her to find her permanent family.

The stolen puppy was returned to the Animal Protection Society of Durham on East Club Boulevard on Friday. Surveillance footage showed that the German Shepherd boxer was stolen by two men on Thursday.

"We sincerely appreciate all your well wishes, messages of concern, and help spreading the word," the APS said in a statement. "It seems that this community approach played a part in the person who took her to come forward with the pup and admit what they'd done."

Lazuli is a 7-week-old and weighs around 4.4 pounds. She has brown brindle, black and white fur and a distinctive white patch on her forehead, chest and paws. She just had a major surgery and needs pain medication and supervision.

"We are so excited our pup is safe and sound," a statement from the APS said.

The Animal Protection Society of Durham said they have helped more than 130 animals get adopted so far this month.