Dog stolen during North Philadelphia burglary reunited with owner

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- In the summer, a 4-year-old Pomeranian was stolen during a home burglary in North Philadelphia. On Saturday the dog was reunited with her owner thanks to an Action News viewer.

Chispa aka 'Chi Chi' has been through a lot in the past few months - a home burglary, being dognapped and then resold but on Saturday, she was back in the hands of her original owner.

"I'm just happy that we were able to get her back. It was a long time and my family was really upset about it. I was the only person who was able to hold it together," said Nia Kora, owner.

Action News first reported a few days ago how the dog was stolen during a burglary at Kora's Girard Avenue home in North Philadelphia over the summer.

On Tuesday, police released surveillance video of the suspected dognappers who also got away with electronics.

VIDEO: Click here to watch the surveillance video

Weeks ago, barber Henry Collins says a young man walked into his Mecca Unisex Salon on North Broad Street near Temple University and sold him a small dog.

"He said he was a student and said he was leaving for the semester and that he couldn't take the dog home because of the airplane ride," said Collins.

Collins bought the Pomeranian for $550 and says he thought her name was Candy.

Then Collins saw our report on the stolen animal.

"I went home and did an experiment and called her 'Chi Chi' and I realized that this might be the dog," he said.

Collins got in touch with the owner, Action News and Central Detectives who sent an investigator right over.

The dog's microchip was checked and it was confirmed that it was in fact 'Chi Chi.'

"I know how people feel about their dogs and pets. It wasn't a hard decision to make because I knew it was the right decision in returning the dog," said Collins.

'Chi Chi' was a regular at the salon and Collins' 3-year-old son became attached.

Kora, a Penn State nursing student, plans to get 'Chi Chi' bred and give one of the puppies to Collins.

"He was so happy for me to get my dog back, that was his main priority so it was good," she said.

Meanwhile anyone with information about the burglary suspects is urged to contact Philadelphia Police at 215.686.TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP (773847).

You can also submit an anonymous tip online at PhillyPolice.com