TEXAS COMPUTER STOLEN FROM VET CLINIC http://cbs11tv.com/local/local_story_332185131.html


(CBS 11 News) GARLAND

Joie Walters was still grieving after euthanizing her 12-year-old golden retriever, Maggie, when she received even more bad news.

"I had gotten myself ready to go pick up the ashes," she said. "I was ready to bring her home and then they told me the ashes weren't there so it was like, I can't bring her home."

The remains were stolen from Centerville Animal Hospital in Garland during a robbery, along with computers, drugs and medical equipment.

While ransacking the place, the thieves apparently came across a cabinet containing the small, locked wooden boxes containing the remains. They took them, probably not knowing what was inside.

"I guess they thought with the lock on it, that it was something they ought to take," said veterinarian Julie Stanek. "They're not gonna use them. They're not gonna do anything with them, and it's so sad."

The crooks stole a total of five boxes containing pet remains.

"It's a grieving process to have a burial and to get their ashes back and to not to be able to do that is distressing," said Dr. Stanek.

The hope now is that the thieves may anonymously return the remains and give the pet owners a sense of closure.

"Whoever took them may realize this is nothing they need and maybe they would return them to the animal hospital," Walters said. "I can't imagine why someone would want an animal's remains."
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