Rick Machamer is a former Marine Corps intelligence operator who is no stranger to tracking down elusive targets. 

But when he learned that a family’s pet had been stolen from their front yard, he knew he had to use his skills to help.

Raquel Witherspoon’s Yorkie, Avery, had been taken by a pair of dognappers who were demanding a $1,200 ransom. The situation was devastating for Witherspoon and her family, as Avery was not just a pet but an emotional support animal for her 12-year-old daughter, Semaj.

Despite reporting the incident to the police, Witherspoon was told that it would be a week before officers could even begin looking into the case. Frustrated and desperate, she turned to the local media for help.

The dognapped Avery. Photo from ABC7

That’s when Rick Machamer saw the news and knew he could assist. The Marine veteran reached out to Witherspoon and offered his expertise, saying he couldn’t “fathom my reaction if someone took one of my dogs, especially if they sent a picture of one in a cage.”

Using his intelligence training and resources, Machamer began working on the case. He traced the dognapper’s phone number through an online database and tried to extract geolocation data from the video of Avery in her cage, but that didn’t turn up any clues. He even searched hundreds of customer reviews for local salons near Witherspoon’s home in the hopes of finding a lead.

Finally, Machamer decided to try his personal Instagram account, linking the dognapper’s number to any profiles associated with it. To his surprise, he found a lead through the social media platform, which led him to a body piercing business near Witherspoon’s home. He also found a post that also linked to the owner’s personal Instagram account.

Through his investigation, Machamer discovered that the owner had posted about another missing dog in the area, which led him to someone who looked similar to the man in the doorbell video. The police eventually arrested a 16-year-old in the theft, and Avery was brought home safely to her family.

“I’m just glad that we could help,” Machamer said. “I hope that if somebody sees that there’s something like this going on, they’re not afraid to help out.”

For Witherspoon and her family, the reunion with Avery was an emotional one.

He’s a family member, he’s my grandson, and that’s her son — we had him for three years, he means the world to us,” she said.

Raquel Witherspoon, left, talks to ABC7 about the loss of her daughter, Semaj’s, right, therapy dog. Photo by ABC7

The story of Avery’s dognapping is unfortunately not unique, with dog thefts up 30% since 2021. But in this case, thanks to the dedication of a former Marine who was determined to help a family in need, Avery was able to come home safely.

As Brandi Hunter Munden, vice president of public relations and communications for the American Kennel Club, explained:

It’s stories like this that show the power of community and how people can come together to protect pets and their families.”

In a world that can sometimes feel dark and uncertain, it’s heartwarming to see people like Machamer stepping up to make a difference and bring light into someone’s life.

Watch below to learn more about the heroic rescue.

Sources: Good Morning America | Daily Mail