Rosie's wagon gone again

Short of stealing candy from a baby, or a coin purse from a little old lady, there aren't too many things lower or more pathetic than stealing a 12-year-old bulldog's little red wagon.
Yet here we are again, with at least the third theft of Rosie the Bulldog's ride.
Rosie, who most of us know thanks to the social activism of her owner Justin Rudd, has become a much beloved fixture in the Belmont Shore area. Riding around in her red wagon, with her name emblazoned across a full-size license plate affixed to the back, was a common and cheery sight at the beach, on Second Street and anywhere else Rosie's heart desired.
Inside the wagon was a gray Nike yoga mat, to give Rosie and her little brother, Riley the Bulldog, a no slip grip while trundling along.
The wagon was a large one with big rubber tires, about three-inches in diameter.
They sell for about $100, Rudd says.
And he should know. Rosie has had three or four wagon's stolen from Rudd's side yard. One was kindly replaced by a good Samaritan and Rudd became so accustomed to putting new wagons together he purchased an electric drill just for that purpose.
But the latest violation still stings, Rudd says.
"We started locking it up, bringing it inside at night, but sometimes we still leave it outside," Rudd said, noting the yard is not one easily accessed and the wagon is usually covered by bushes and an air conditioning unit.
"I can easily get another one, but it's a sentimental thing," Rudd adds. "Besides, I don't know why you want to take someone's beat up wagon anyway."
During one of the last heists, some neighborhood children found the back panel of the wagon near the Colorado Lagoon. That was great, Rudd says, because the license plate that bears Rosie's name was on it.
This time there is no sign of her wagon nor her vanity plate, which was a gift.
And everyone knows a diva can't ride without her vanity plate.
Aside from the pleasure of the wagon and its amenities, however, are some practical issues.
Rosie's ripe old age means she can walk maybe half a block on a good day before her arthritis gets the better of her. Her younger brother is more spry, but even Riley likes to chill out in the wagon on long trips and while eating at one of the many sidewalk cafes that line Second Street.
"And bulldogs are too big to carry around," Rudd says. "You can't fit them in your purse."
Rudd filed a police report, to the amusement of some officers, and is hoping that the tight-knit neighborhood will keep an eye out for the missing wagon.
And if you're the thief, he's hoping a change of heart will prompt the wagon's return.
Rosie and Riley undoubtedly hope for the same.
Anyone with information, e-mail Rudd at Justin@JustinRudd.com.