A Boy & His Dogs
Source: People.com
August 10, 2000
Cops retrieve Backstreeter Brian Littrell's purloined pooches
Sure, the Taco Bell dog grabbed all the Chihuahua headlines in recent weeks. But he -- who's a she, actually -- may only lose a job. When it comes to Chihuahuas in peril, the most gripping story may be that of Tyk Thomas and Litty Leigh, beloved pets of Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell and his fianc�e, Leighanne Wallace. On July 19 both dogs disappeared from the couple's home outside of Atlanta after an unidentified woman buzzed at the gate. "I told her, 'No, you can't come in,' " says Wallace, 31. Soon after, the dogs were missing. Wallace called Littrell, 25, who hopped a plane back to the States from Sweden, where he was recording the band's new album. "He was extremely upset, almost more than I was,"Wallace says. The popster appealed for the dogs' safe return on local TV and radio. After four days, "we were miserable," recalls Wallace, "and completely without hope."
Then on July 23 a tipster alerted police to the dogs' whereabouts. Quicker than you can say, "Drop the chalupa!" officers followed up, and Tyk and Litty were recovered separately at the homes of two women whom police decline to identify. No charges were filed because, says Sheriff's Deputy Clark Evans, Wallace and Littrell "just wanted their dogs back. That was all."
"When we got home, we got in bed with the dogs," says Wallace. Although both pups appeared to be healthy despite some dehydration, "Tyk was really shaking and is still just so nervous," notes Wallace.
With good reason. Although both dogs have traveled the world in style, it's clear there is a dark side to being a Backstreet Boy's best friend. Tyk has been the victim of attempted dognapping by fans twice before, says Wallace. From now on, she says, she'll be extra careful: "What's my advice after this? Do not let your babies out of your sight!"
