Stolen dog and owner reunite after weeks apart

UNDATED (WHDH) -- Two weeks after police said an SUV was taken with a dog inside, a tip led them to a discovery and this eventual reunion.

"Through the help of the community and my friends and my friends online in the online community, we got the dog back,” said Jason Tharp.

Jason Tharp said he was at a Wal-Mart earlier this month getting camping supplies when the theft happened.

But he was one determined pet owner, and took out ads to get his car and dog back.

Friends and complete strangers pitched in, and eventually, one of those tips made their way to police.

"The truck was at a location, possibly at a location and the Greenville County Sheriff's Office began to work that information,” said Capt. John Gardner, Travelers Rest, S.C. Police Department.

Police aren't saying much right now because the investigation is still ongoing, but they say they found the SUV and the dog in one location.

But police say the fact that the dog was found at all is a rarity.

"The longer a case goes without a resolution, the less likely that it will be a good resolution. So, two weeks is a long time for a dog to be missing and to come back to an owner, so again, that makes it real special and very sweet for them,” said Capt. Gardner.

Tharp and his girlfriend said they're still missing some of their stuff, but the most important thing that was taken is now back home.

"That’s your child, that's your family and it's your love. You look forward to waking up and seeing him,” said Kim Rudolf.

"Christmas came a little late this year, but it came,” said Tharp.

Police in South Carolina charged two people with stealing the dog and the car.