BELTON, Mo. — On Saturday night, Alex Bell and his four-legged companion, Bear, stopped for a routine maintenance check on their car at the Belton, Missouri, QuikTrip.
"It was just a few seconds," Bell said. "Somebody stole my car with my dog in it."
Bear, a 3-year-old German Shepard, is Bell's right-hand man.
The two have been together for about 2 1/2 years.
"He's just like any other member of the family. He means a lot to us," he said.
Bell did all he could on Saturday night to get Bear back.
He recalled bending down to put air in his tire when the car door opened and shut.
Bell grabbed onto the door handle as tightly as he could as the car was moving away.
"I did everything I could because I wanted to get Bear, but the door handle's broke and it scraped me up," Bell said.
The unknown driver took off in the parking lot with Bell hanging on.
"When I fell, all I could do was scream for help," he said.
That cry for help was sheer panic.
The Belton Police Department responded to the scene along with paramedics.
With some minor road rash injuries across his body, Bell searched all night once he was discharged from the hospital.
"I got home and saw his bone and his rope on the couch, and I just immediately started breaking down because I knew that’s where he’s supposed to be," Bell said. "You must give it your all when you’re trying to find your best friend."
With a sleepless night ahead, Bell's mom, Tammy, took to Facebook, posting a cry for help.
"Please help: My son was carjacked at the Belton quick trip located at 58&Y 5:28 pm tonight. They stole the car with our dog in it. They dragged my son, so the door handle missing. Black Chevy Equinox plate number
7WEW83 with Buffalo Bills plate cover. Angel wing necklace with-a cat in center, was-hanging from mirror. We just want our fur baby back. Will offer reward for dog. Please help. Keep the car. Police report in photo. If you have info, have a heart.. he is scared and needs us. No questions asked. We just want him home. HE NEEDS HIS MEDICATION.. Taken from Belton…last seen on heading north. Please don’t hurt our baby. He is wearing the blue harness.. these photos were last week at lake. Please inbox me.. everyone please keep your eyes peeled. And if you have him or find him PLEASE CONTACT ME! he has never been away from us. Please help.. as soon as I have eyes on him, you will get the reward. All we know is white male, bald. Waiting on footage from quick trip. To get his attention say where’s Alex, where’s grandma. Then please contact me. Thank you
The original Facebook post, which has since been updated, garnered 1,000 shares across numerous community groups.
The support was massive, but there was no sign of Bear for about 20 hours.
"This morning, there was a big surprise," Rob Zahl told KSHB 41 on Sunday afternoon. "It was one of those golden rule moments."
Zahl and his family are two weeks new to Kansas City.
He and his family just moved to Hyde Park.
Following a long Independence Day weekend with family, Zahl and his daughter, Mia, were grabbing LaMar's Donuts at 34th and Main in Kansas City, Missouri.
"I saw a dog all alone, and I had to stop," Zahl said. "Two weeks before, we lost our dog, Rex, for about 24 hours. I felt the same emotions stir up, and I just wanted to help."
Zahl and Mia spent some time trying to lure the unknown dog into their car.
Nicole Nudelman, a medical student at Kansas City University, was also grabbing donuts. The dog was more than willing to get into her car.
"I can't really take care of a dog with an apartment, so I asked Rob if they could take him," she said. "This was a trust your instincts kind of moment. I knew there was a reason I was willing to help."
The three went back toward Zahl's home, where they gave water and hot dogs to the canine.
After a short time, they discovered some social media posts circulating from Bell's mom.
They learned Bear's name and called, "Where's grandma?" per the Facebook post to see if it was the same pet.
"His ears perked up," Zahl said.
The Zalhs packed up Bear and took him to the Belton Police Department, where Bell was reunited with his best friend.
"I never had a chance to meet the people that dropped him off, but I'd love to meet them and take them to a meal," Bell said. "It's been an amazing feeling to see the community come together to find Bear. He's somebody I can't replace. A car is one thing, but Bear is irreplaceable. If it wasn't for the great people of Kansas City, he'd still be out there scared."
Bear and Bell enjoyed the air conditioning from home together on Sunday evening.
The Belton Police Department confirmed Monday that Bell's vehicle was recovered around 12:30 p.m. Sunday near East Armour Boulevard and Locust Street. It was unoccupied.
Police also said the suspect has been identified. However, additional information was not available as the department is "preparing a case file for prosecution."
As for the three good Samaritans, they learned a lot about themselves and even made some new friends along the way.
"The stars aligned perfectly," Nudelman said. "I think Bear is pretty brave for finding us."
Zahl said the message for his new community is to follow your instincts.
"Don't be afraid to do the right thing. If it comes from the heart, if it comes from the soul, it's a good notion," he said. "We have kids and we want to show them the right things to do. We’re passing on information for the next generation."
Bell's mom, Tammy, told KSHB 41 on the phone that her faith in humanity has been restored because of the outpouring of support shown over the weekend.
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KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County in Kansas and Cass County in Missouri. He also covers agricultural topics. Share your story idea with Ryan.
