Dog stolen from firefighter's yard: 'Meathead ... was my kid'
EUGENE, Ore. -- Firefighter Larry Merrill came home from work early Tuesday morning to find that his beloved dog Bandit -- whom Larry had nicknamed "Meathead" -- was missing from the back yard.
After a thorough inspection of the yard Merrill could find no evidence that his 3 and a half-year-old English Bulldog had made a daring escape. That lead Larry to the conclusion that someone took Meathead from his yard during his overnight shift.
Since Tuesday, Merrill has filed a report with Eugene Police, posted hundreds of fliers and searched thousands of Craigslist ads, all in the hopes that Meathead can be returned safely.
"I am assuming that someone thought they could take him and maybe get rid of him," said Merrill. "I've been searching Craigslist from Seattle to California."
While he suspects that the dog-napper might have taken the pooch to make a profit, Larry said that there is no monetary value that can be put on a family member.
"My kid has one week with me and one week with his mom. And when he is with his mom that week Meathead, or Bandit was my … was my kid." said Merrill.
Another reason for why Merrill is desperate to find his dog is because Meathead has been missing the medication he was prescribed to take daily. Merrill said that without it he will need to be in a veterinary clinic soon.
Meathead's puppy companion, Lily the Dachshund, is also heartbroken over his disappearance.
However there is still one more family member about the incident. Larry has to break the news to his son when he picks him up for their time together, something he said will be no walk in the park.
"Yeah, he will find out tonight," said Merrill. "I'll talk to him when the time is right."
Merrill said that if the person who took Meathead can bring him back with no questions asked. He just wants his dog to come home.
did they find him yet?
 @Kelli Melton DobsonÂ
No they still haven't found him
I hope your family member is returned to you. They do become like your children and it,s very painful to lose them.
This is a story about a firefighter using his position to get his dog back. I doubt KVAL would write a story about my lost/stolen dog.
 @Michael Michaels =/ Literally 2 months ago KVAL did a couple stories about Jazzy, a dog stolen from a non-firefighting family.Â
 @Michael Michaels Oh BS. It's because it's the 3rd Bulldog (a rare breed) stolen lately...and because it makes a news story that people can relate to and care about. It has nothing to do with the fact that the owner is a firefighter. Get over yourself.
It's one of the downsides to having a more rare breed or unique-looking dog. :( I worry about one of my dogs for that reason, but we never leave her outside alone. Too scary. The penalties for stealing or injuring someone's pet should be MUCH harsher than they are. I'm so sorry your Meathead is missing Mr. Merrill. I can't tell you how much I hope you get him back. I suggest putting up posters on the boards at the dog parks.
Oh I so hope you get "meathead" back ! :*(
what on earth is going on here? this is the third bulldog stolen in oregon this year. watch craig's list.Â
 @the buttcut Bulldogs are very expensive and not as common as many dogs because they must have c-sections to deliver. The average English Bulldog is about $2500.00.Ours was a "bargain" puppy because he had a cherry eye (fixed with surgery) and had already been neutered...but we still paid a LOT for him. I saved for months to get him for my husband.
I never leave him anywhere...even in my car for a second because I'm so afraid of losing him. They are wonderful, loyal, hysterical clowns that steal your heart and become irreplaceable members of the family. We would be devastated if anything happened to him!The scumbags who are kid(dog)napping these beloved pets should have their kneecaps broken...;)Â
Larry, if you need a Bulldog "fix" in the meantime, let me know and I'll bring our over to see you:) I know exactly how attached we become to them and can't imagine losing our boy! I hope you find Meathead soon:)
There is no honor among thieves.
@PEANUT Honor, what is that, there is hardly any at all these days, but I agree it is worse with thieves. I sure hope Meathead gets found for his and his owner's sake. Come on whoever the heartless Bast...  is give him up.
Who wrote this story? There is a difference between 'son' and 'sun'...LOL...
Â
So sorry your dog got stolen- hope you find him soon!!