local
‘Bring this dog back’: Stolen service dog leaves Tennessee child with autism without support
By Jordan James at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 2 min read
What This Story Is AboutA Lincoln County family is searching for their stolen service dog, Chonkers, who supports their 4-year-old daughter with autism.Why It MattersThe dog’s absence is disrupting the daily routine of a child with autism, and the family says the theft also included the dog’s Ame...
Key takeaway Catch UpThe Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded Monday after a police report was filed, and the family has been posting on Facebook and reaching out to local animal groups in search of the dog.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The theft of Chonkers, a service dog supporting a 4-year-old girl with autism, has significant implications for the family's daily life in Lincoln County. Beyond the emotional distress, the absence of this specially trained animal disrupts the child's routine, leading to increased tantrums and difficulties. This case highlights the importance of service animals in local communities, where they provide vital support to individuals with disabilities. The fact that Chonkers' American Kennel Club registration and veterinary records were also stolen suggests that the thief may be attempting to sell the dog, which could further complicate the family's efforts to recover their beloved pet. As the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office investigates, local residents can aid in the search by reporting any information about Chonkers' whereabouts, and the family's $1,000 reward may incentivize tips that lead to the dog's safe return.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? What This Story Is AboutA Lincoln County family is searching for their stolen service dog, Chonkers, who supports their 4-year-old daughter with autism.Why It MattersThe dog’s absence is disrupting the daily routine of a child with autism, and the family says the theft also included the dog’s Ame...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jordan James at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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