It is cruel enough to steal from a deaf woman. But burglars in this North Columbus neighborhood stole from Pam Estes something that can never be replaced: the life of her dog Shaughnessy.
According to ABC6, when Estes arrived home yesterday, she walked into a burglary in progress. It was the second time in two weeks that Estes returned home to find her house had been broken into.
Yesterday, the burglars were in the back of the home, but ran off when they heard Estes. Neighbors pursued them, as did police, however the burglars were able to slip away.
Two weeks earlier to the day, her home had been broken into and laptops and jewelry were stolen. More importantly to Estes, she came home to find that her eight-year-old Glen of Imaal Terrier Shaughnessey had been killed.
Estes owns three other dogs. They were not harmed. But little Shaughnessy had his throat cut and was lying in a pool of blood.
Shaughnessy had been a national champion show dog. Several years ago, he took top honors in obedience at the Westminster Dog Show. He was also a certified therapy dog. Estes is deaf, and Shaughnessy would visit students at the Columbus School for the Deaf.
Estes said in sign language to ABC6 that:
There was blood all over the house. To steal things is one thing. To steal a life is something else.
Since the trauma of the first break-in, Estes had been staying with a friend. She returned yesterday to check on her home.
Anyone with information is asked to call Columbus police at 614-645-4545.
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