Woman Caught Stealing ‘Lost Dog’ Signs for Missing French Bulldog in Rockford

Back in June, a French Bulldog, Donut, escaped her leash in Rockford while on a walk with her dog walker. Neon 'Lost Dog' signs started to pop up around the Stateline, but as of November?  Those signs mysteriously started disappearing.

I've been on the lookout for Donut the French Bulldog ever since she went missing.  There have been multiple "confirmed" and "unconfirmed" sightings of her around the Rockford area, but nobody has been able to catch her.  She's a runner!

Related: Craziest Way Rockford Dog Was Reunited with Its Family

Here's what we know about Donut.

• She's a French Bulldog rescue
• Wore a pink collar when she escaped her dog walker's leash
• Escaped June 30th, 2024 near Country Club Beach & N. Main Street in Rockford

As of right now, her last photo-confirmed sighting was near Landstrom Road & Forest Hills Country Club Golf Course, where the 'Lost Dog' signs started to disappear even though Donut is still on the loose.

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I came across a Facebook group, Rockford/Belvidere AREA - boone/winnebago county lost found pets FIDO ALERT, where someone shared a MAJOR update why the signs have been disappearing.

"We need the public's help in identifying this woman who has REPEATEDLY stolen the bold, bright signs asking people to keep an eye out for Donut, the French Bulldog lost by a dog walker on June 30. Donut's heartbroken mom remains committed to getting her little girl back--as do we--so the search continues. As tips rolled in over the past few months, things weren't adding up. What's more, the signs kept disappearing in the neighborhood where we had the last photo-confirmed sightings of Donut in July. (Landstrom Rd. area, bordering the Forest Hills Country Club Golf Course) Several weeks ago, we were made aware that a petite, dark-haired woman was pulling up in a black Chrysler van and stealing the signs. With the permission of the person who provided that tip, we set up trail cams in their yard, trained on a sign. Early one morning, pre-dawn, we captured these images of the thief. It stands to reason the only logical reason this woman would be going to such lengths to steal the signs is that she found Donut and kept her, sold her or gave her away. This is ILLEGAL. Please message this page if you recognize the person in these images and/or know who has Donut. Her mom desperately wants her baby back. Your identity will be kept confidential. Thank you."

Here's the photo provided by the original poster.  They've asked the public for help to identify the woman who's been stealing the signs.  She drives a black Chrysler van.

According to the post, they aren't sure whether the woman took Donut in and kept her for herself, gave Donut away, or sold her to someone else.

The question still stands: Where is Donut the French Bulldog?

Many people on the post believe the woman has Donut, others suggested putting AirTags on the signs when she strikes next, and tons of residents in the neighborhood are on high alert if they see any suspicious activity.

I really hope Donut is returned safely.  If anyone knows the woman in the security footage, please don't hesitate to message me so I can relay the tips to Donut's owner.  All we want is to bring Donut home!