local
Family’s pleas answered after missing service dog, Chonkers, returned to Tennessee child with autism
By Jordan James, Chasity Maynard at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 3 min read
What This Story Is AboutA Lincoln County family was searching for their stolen service dog, Chonkers, who supports their 4-year-old daughter with autism.Why It MattersThe dog’s absence was disrupting the daily routine of the child with autism, and the family says the theft also included the dog’s...
Key takeaway Why It MattersThe dog’s absence was disrupting the daily routine of the child with autism, and the family says the theft also included the dog’s American Kennel Club registration and nearly $4,300 in property.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The return of Chonkers to the Lincoln County family is a welcome relief, particularly for 4-year-old Laiklen, who relies on the service dog for daily support with autism. This reunion highlights the critical role service animals play in the lives of individuals with autism and their families in the Nashville area. The theft of Chonkers and the disruption to Laiklen's routine underscore the challenges families face when supporting loved ones with autism. The swift response of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and the community's efforts to locate the dog demonstrate the importance of local support networks in times of crisis. As the investigation into the theft continues, the community will be watching to see how the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office handles the case and whether those responsible will be held accountable. The safe return of Chonkers is a positive outcome, and the community will likely remain vigilant in supporting families with special needs.
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: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? What This Story Is AboutA Lincoln County family was searching for their stolen service dog, Chonkers, who supports their 4-year-old daughter with autism.Why It MattersThe dog’s absence was disrupting the daily routine of the child with autism, and the family says the theft also included the dog’s...
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, Chasity Maynard 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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