Suzanne Starr/The Arizona Republic

"I prayed every day for this dog," Greg Theisen says of Sadie, who was lost for 19 days.

Niusha Faghih The Arizona Republic Dec. 2, 2002 05:55 PM

Nineteen days and $14,000 later, Greg Theisen has finally been reunited with his dog, Sadie.

"She's worth twice that," Theisen said. "You can't put a price on companionship."

Theisen, who lives in Scottsdale, lost Sadie on Nov. 13 while running errands near 43rd Street and University Drive in Phoenix.

She was finally tracked down Sunday night with the help of America West pilot Dave Sandidge. While Sandidge was riding a bus to the America West employees lot, the bus driver mentioned that she had seen a black dog running around the lot.

"It clicked in my mind that I had seen a picture of that dog in the newspaper," said Sandidge, who spotted the dog after he got off the bus. He called his wife on his cellphone, and she got on the computer and did a search on The Arizona Republic's Web site, azcentral. com, and found Theisen's number, which he then called.

"I was so excited. I had goosebumps," Theisen said. "I had chills."

After the call, Theisen rushed to the airport to pick Sadie up.

"It was like a rocket launch," Sandidge said. "She was so excited. They were like long-lost relatives waiting to see each other."

"She just lunged and almost knocked me over," Theisen said. "I've never seen a dog get so emotional."

"I prayed every day for this dog. She was my best companion. I would take her everywhere with me."

The response to Sadie's disappearance was overwhelming, and Theisen received many calls from people lending their support, prayers and time.

"I wish I could remember 10 percent of the calls coming in," Theisen said. "I want to thank all the wonderful people that responded. I couldn't begin to return the calls.

"My life was on hold for three weeks. She was my number one priority. I'm so excited to have her back."

Theisen spent $9,000 in advertising to find Sadie and offered a $5,000 reward. At Sandidge's request, the reward money will be donated to the Thomas J. Pappas School for homeless children.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2002

Answers

If he cared so much for the dog how did he lose her? "I would take her everywhere with me." he said. Okay, but how did she get away?

gosh! you don't think he left all the windows down in his car so she wouldn't die of heatstroke and yet neglect to have her securely fastened to a seat belt?

Nice touch about the donation to homeless children's fund. Now, how about he goes out and buys a lead that attaches to a seatbelt. That way, if he has an accident while driving she won't go thru the windshield.

here's one:

From http://www.ajprindle.com

only fifteen bucks.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2002

I vaguely remember something about they were both sitting in the front seat of his truck, he stopped at a light, the dog suddenly jumped out and ran off.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2002