Puppy found and returned; woman charged

A woman charged with stealing a dog from a local pet store is free after surrendering to Crystal Lake police.

Jennifer L. Zulawski, 38, of 995 Darlington Lane in Crystal Lake, swiped a Boston terrier puppy from a pet store on Northwest Highway in the village this week, authorities said.

Zulawski was charged with felony retail theft. She was released from Crystal Lake police custody on a notice to appear in McHenry County court Feb. 19.

Police said the 9-week-old purebred puppy was recovered unharmed at Zulawski's home Tuesday. She couldn't be reached for comment.

Zulawski used her three children as decoys to distract Petland employees when she shoved the puppy in a bag Monday night, according to police. Zulawski was videotaped leaving Petland, authorities said, with the dog presumably in her bag.

Petland owner Dan Hamilton said the black-and-white Boston terrier costs $1,099, which includes veterinarian visits and shots.

"You don't ever think twice when you have a mother come in with young kids, that she would lift a puppy or anything else," Hamilton said.

Crystal Lake police said they were concerned about the puppy's fate after widespread publicity from the video, so they worked the case quickly. They said several tipsters identified the same woman as the one pictured leaving the pet store.

Nichole Owens, criminal chief for the McHenry County state's attorney's office, said there was no choice but to charge Zulawski with retail theft.

"If we did not pursue criminal charges every time somebody returns property that was stolen, it would not act as a deterrent to others," she said. "The fact that the property was returned will be considered as a mitigating factor during sentencing or during plea negotiations. But it doesn't change the fact she stole it."

Felony retail theft over $150 is a Class 4 felony, punishable by one to three years in prison.

Hamilton said the male puppy was relaxing Wednesday night at Petland. He said it's been a stressful week for the dog.

"We're keeping him out of the main windows," said Hamilton, who credited media coverage for leading to an arrest in the case.