Local, 70, reunited with dog

Gary Van Horn called police in a panic. His longtime companion Knick Knack, a timid, Jack Russell Terrier who was the runt of the litter, was gone Monday.

Knick Knack hadn’t left the front yard in her 14 years, Van Horn, 70, told police. He said someone must have stolen Knick Knack, who might be priceless to Van Horn, but worth $1,200 to a dog kidnapper.

“I called 911 when I knew she was gone. I didn’t know what else to do,� Van Horn said. “When the officer was talking to me, there were big tears in my eyes, crying. I didn’t know what to do.�

Two days later and on the other side of town, an off-duty Orange County Sheriff’s deputy just happened to be driving through Costa Mesa at 3 a.m. when who should appear but a collar-less Knick Knack wandering the streets.

The deputy turned her in to the Costa Mesa police station and went on his way, Lt. Paul Dondero said. Knick Knack got some rest and relaxation in the watch commander’s office Wednesday night and cuddled up to many of the officers, Van Horn said.

“She’s so friendly. She just wants to roll over and have you rub her tummy,� he said.

When the officer who spoke with Van Horn Monday returned to the station to end the shift Thursday morning, Knick Knack’s familiar all-white face, brown ear and brown rear caught his eye.

“Hey, look at that. There she is,� Dondero recalled the Costa Mesa officer who took Van Horn’s report saying. With that, Knick Knack’s two-day adventure was over, and she was soon reunited with Van Horn, hungry and thirsty, but never the worse for wear.

“She’s home so she’s relaxed. She’s barking,� a relieved Van Horn said. “She’s so darned cute.�

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at [email protected].