Traci Kelley and her husband, Mike, had never been without a dog in their marriage—until last weekend when their beloved Gadget died. In his memory, they placed a metal dachshund statue outside their downtown Wellston home, a quiet tribute to their cherished companion.
By Sunday evening, the statue was gone—taken along with other personal belongings.
Traci, known to many as a talented artist at the Luther Pecan Festival, a friendly face at Luther’s Rustic Farm, and a fan of great food at Cocina Doña Ceci, shared this message on Facebook:
Dear people who helped themselves to my fish pot and metal dachshund statue, please return the statue. Our dachshund passed away Sunday, and that statue is his memorial.
You can keep the pot. And the yellow tiki. And the $200 worth of enameled pottery from a trip to South Texas.
Please return the statue. Our home is on Second Street in Wellston (the storefront with the orange door). Just put him back where you found him.
Please. Just bring back the statue. We are heartbroken.
— Traci Kelley
Security cameras from a neighbor captured an unknown individual carrying the tiki torch to a pickup truck already loaded with other items.
Traci has filed a police report with the Wellston Police Department, but more than anything, she just wants the statue back. She also hopes this serves as a reminder to respect private property.
In another post, sharing the security camera image, she left a simple message: “I forgive you.”
Anyone who has lost a beloved pet understands the weight of that grief. And anyone who has experienced theft knows the frustration that comes with it. If raising awareness can help bring Gadget’s memorial home, Traci hopes for the best.
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