Eight Dogs Briefly Stolen Outside Lincoln Park Pet Salon Returned

Owners relieved after pets were recovered by police following a brief theft incident.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Eight dogs were briefly stolen on Tuesday morning after someone took a sprinter van carrying the pets as it sat parked outside a Lincoln Park pet salon. Police recovered the van and all eight dogs a short time later, and had one person in custody. The owners were overjoyed to be reunited with their beloved pets, with many describing emotional scenes of their dogs jumping into their arms.

Why it matters

Pet theft is an upsetting and distressing crime that can deeply impact both owners and their animal companions. This incident highlights the vulnerability of pets left unattended, even for short periods, and the relief owners feel when their furry family members are returned safely.

The details

The dogs were in the van as part of a pet boarding service, being transported from the Indiana-based Markay's Castle of the Dogs to the Animal Lovers Pet Salon in Lincoln Park for pickup. As the business owner was unloading the dogs' belongings, someone slipped into the van and drove away. Police were called just before 9 a.m. and recovered the van a short time later in the Lakeview neighborhood, about a mile away. A 46-year-old man was arrested, and all eight dogs - including a labradoodle, mini dachshund, mountain dog, Aussie mix, sheepdog, lab mix and two huskies - were found safe.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, March 4, 2026.
  • Police were called to the pet salon just before 9 a.m.

The players

Nicholas Iwaniuk

An Avondale resident who owns a half Australian shepherd, half Australian cattle dog named Shadow.

David Cox

The business owner of Markay's Castle of the Dogs, an Indiana-based pet boarding facility.

Tom Scrivner

The owner of a 14-year-old dog named Max.

Mark Botoske

The owner of a dog named Winnie.

Animal Lovers Pet Salon

A pet salon located in the 2200 block of North Clybourn Avenue in Lincoln Park, Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“Just all the kisses in the world”

— Nicholas Iwaniuk (Chicago Tribune)

“It was just complete … joy”

— Tom Scrivner (Chicago Tribune)

“We've been trying to find out more from her, but she's not telling us anything”

— Mark Botoske (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Police are continuing their investigation and charges are pending against the 46-year-old man who was arrested.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of pet owners remaining vigilant and not leaving their animals unattended, even for short periods of time. While the dogs were ultimately recovered safely, pet theft can be a traumatic experience for both owners and their beloved pets.