AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin woman was left in shambles after her French bulldog was allegedly stolen during a violent break-in.
Graciela Guntle said that while she was out on Super Bowl Sunday, her 6-month-old French bulldog, Gadoffy, was taken from her apartment complex on West Rundberg Lane in North Austin.
According to Guntle, she and her boyfriend had a dog sitter watching Gadoffy when the sitter was attacked by three intruders. Austin police said the man was hit with what they believe was a firearm and then noticed the dog was stolen after they took off.
Guntle initially called Austin police but was redirected to 311 where she reported the incident. Police said it can take up to 14 days before the request makes it to a detective.
“It’s extremely difficult going through this. I just want everybody just to keep their eye out and just be mindful,” Guntle said. “This is our family member that we went home as soon as possible.”
Guntle said the dog sitter ended up in the hospital after the incident and is also offering a $500 reward for anyone who brings Gadoffy back to her safely. She noted that Gadoffy walks with a limp in his right leg.
“He’s a baby and I just want my dog back,” Guntle said.
Other cases of stolen Frenches
Guntle’s case is not believed to be tied to recent armed robberies that also involved stolen French bulldogs.
While detectives said there doesn’t appear to be a trend when it comes to thefts of the popular breed, staff at the Austin Animal Center said otherwise.
“I do think that there is a trend going on for Frenchies and bulldogs in particular,” said veterinary service supervisor Marjorie Sparks. “I’m worried about the trend ending and the fad going away and them ending up in shelters because those dogs don’t do well in shelters.”
Sparks said the fascination with French bulldogs started in 2021 when pop icon Lady Gaga had two of her French bulldogs stolen at gunpoint. Sparks said the breed becomes popular for a good period, but then it gets tossed aside, which proves to be troublesome.
The best advice Sparks had for dog owners is for them to have their pets microchipped, which is already required in Austin after the city passed an ordinance in 2024. The Austin Animal Center offers microchips at no cost.
“They are definitely one of the things that you can prove in court that this is your dog,” Sparks said.
Police said their investigation into the stolen French bulldog is ongoing.