BUCYRUS — Beth Claus Bloomfield’s dog, Lilly, is part of her family and they almost lost her forever.

Beth said that a few weeks ago, her precious Lilly may have gotten out of her home through an unlatched door.

“I’m not sure how she got out. I think the door didn’t latch and she got out while I was in the other room,” Bloomfield said.

Beth, along with her husband, Ryan, and their 13-year-old son, looked all around town for Lilly. Beth also created a Facebook post to enlist the help of residents in finding their beloved pet of five years.

Beth decided to check with employees of Hardee’s on South Sandusky Avenue near her home.

Beth discovered there was a construction crew passing through town and one of the workers snatched Lilly up and took her home with him on the west side of Columbus.

“Thankfully, a Hardee’s worker was observant and told me the name of the construction company,” Beth said. “We are so thankful for her. If it weren’t for that girl, we probably would never have gotten our girl back.”

Beth called the company’s office and an employee was able to determine which crew had been in the Bucyrus area. She was even able to determine which worker took the dog and had him call Beth.

“He called me and really wasn’t committing to meeting me, so I went to the (Bucyrus) police station and they contacted the company, which made him leave work to take care the of the situation,” Beth said.

Beth said the man wasn’t very pleasant to deal with about the situation.

“I believe he wanted to keep her. He finally agreed to meet me in Columbus,” Beth said.

She headed to Columbus with her son and friend, April, to meet with the man.

“He was 45 minutes late and never said one word at the meeting, no apologies or anything, but I was just glad to have her back,” Beth said.

During this week’s Bratwurst Festival, there will be many people in the area from out-of-town and Beth has some advice for pet owners.

“My word to the public is to keep extra eyes on your pets, especially with all the out of town people this weekend, because you never know whose hands your pet will fall into,” Beth said. “They may not do the right thing and try doing the same thing that was done to us.”