The Papillon puppy stolen from Perfect Pets on Jan. 3 has been recovered by Lakewood Police Department and returned to the pet store owner.

Agents with Lakewood Police Department recovered the dog on Tuesday, Jan. 17 after being called to a shoplifting at a Kohl’s store in their jurisdiction. One of the two shoplifting suspects was in possession of a dog that a Kohl’s employee recognized as being similar to the puppy stolen from Perfect Pets. A scan of the dog’s microchip confirmed it was the stolen dog.

Lakewood Police Department arrested both suspects on charges related to shoplifting and a stolen vehicle.

Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office investigators still have more work to do before arrests can be made for the theft, but thanks to the great work by Kohl’s loss prevention employees and the Lakewood Police Department, the puppy is back with the pet store owner and this case is headed toward a successful conclusion.