'The Wii and stuff can be replaced. We can't replace the dog'

By Sophia Petenakis KVAL News with KVAL.com staff Published: Oct 25, 2012 at 11:17 AM PDT Last Updated: Oct 26, 2012 at 3:20 PM PDT

ALBANY, Ore. - The bike and game system stolen from their home can be replaced.

It's their dog Jazzy and their 7-year-old son Gajen's python the Stradley family wanted back.

"I mean, she's only 2 and a half pounds," David Stradley said of the family chihuahua. "If he gave her to somebody, you know, we just ask that they call, or bring her back or something."

Albany Police say "he" is 39-year-old Blaze McCormick of Brownsville, a former friend of the family. Officers arrested McCormick on Monday on charges of first-degree burglary and first-degree theft.

"I don't understand why you would take the dog," Stradley said. "I mean out of everything you could take, I mean the family pet? It's ridiculous. It's cruel.

"The Wii and stuff can be replaced," Stradley said. "We can't replace the dog."

"Please bring Jazzy home," Gajen said.

Shortly after the burglary, witnesses saw McCormick at a market with the dog in his backpack.

"I just saw a little dog sticking out of the backpack," recalled Bev Davis, "and I said, 'Oh what a cute little dog' and he goes, 'yeah, it is cute isn't it.' "

Police asked for the public for help.

The help paid off.

Late Wednesday night, police got calls reporting sightings of the snake and dog.

The python was found on a sidewalk and didn't survive the ordeal.

Jazzy, however, was found OK at an apartment complex late Wednesday night.

The Stradleys will be reunited with their dog Thursday.