After their dog was stolen, an Illinois couple set out to bring their baby home - even if that meant traveling over 10 hours away.

Imagine your car was stolen and your 7-year-old Goldendoodle, Tess, was inside the car.  That's a nightmare that became reality for this Mansfield couple.

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With high hopes, John and his wife Tammy got word that their vehicle was totaled in Nashville, but their pup wasn't anywhere in sight.

That's where I would've had a panic attack!  Where was Tess at?!

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John and Tammy took a 10 1/2 hour road trip down South to find Tess, but had no luck after searching endlessly for 4 days.

Then, a Humane Society in Greenville, Alabama called the couple with news their sweet baby, Tess, was with them - all because of the chip they had to identify her.

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An Alabama Lieutenant spotted a man walking with a dog along Highway I-65 when he offered assistance to get the man off the interstate safely.

Little did the Lieutenant know, the man had a stolen gun, abducted the dog, and wanted for the stolen vehicle in Illinois.  He's now booked in Butler County Jail!

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So happy Tess is safe and back home with her family, especially her best friend, Critter, who is another pet of the family!

Now the couple can sleep knowing their Goldendoodle is home safe and sound.

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Related: Rockford Illinois Man Steals Electricity From Neighbor 

If you're afraid of this happening with your furbabies (I know I'm terrified of it), make sure to get your babies chipped so shelters can identify them before they get put up for adoption.  We don't want that happening, I'd be devastated.

Full video and story here:

The Most Bizarre Items Ever Stolen From Illinois Residents

My mom once told me that "people will steal anything that's not nailed down." Times certainly have changed since then. The thieves now have nail removers.

24 Spoiled Rockford Dogs That Are Guaranteed to Make You Saw "AW!"

What the dog wants, the dog gets.

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