Burglars steal ashes of dead dog Chelsea
A family were left devastated after burglars broke into their Hester’s Way home and stole their dead pet’s ashes.
Caroline Cleevely returned to her ransacked house, in Brooklyn Road, with six-year-old daughter Penny to find the intruders had made off with thousands of pounds worth of valuables.
But their most shocking discovery was the thieves had broken into a sitting room cabinet and snatched the remains of their dog Chelsea.
Caroline, 44, said: “We just cannot believe anyone would do this. They went from room to room and took everything or smashed it.
“They took things that cannot be replaced, but taking Chelsea’s ashes was the major blow for us.”
The ashes were kept in an small oak box which had a carving of a dog’s paw on the lid and a sticker with Chelsea’s name.
On top of it was a toy figure of a rough collie – the same breed as Chelsea – which was given to Penny as a present.
The youngster, a pupil at Rowanfield School, said: “It’s really sad. I used to kiss it and carry it around.”
Caroline’s husband Christopher had hoped to keep the ashes safe for the rest of his life, and then be buried with them.
The 46-year-old said: “Chelsea was a gentle giant, a beautiful dog. She would plod along in her own way.
“She was a real lady right to the end and one of the family. We just can’t believe she’s been taken.”
Chelsea died eighteen months ago aged 13.
Her ashes were kept in the same cabinet as a box containing the remains of the family’s first dog, Holly, which the thieves ignored.
Christopher said: “We think they thought there was something of monetary value in Chelsea’s box.
“That’s why we’re hoping they may have left it somewhere and that we might get it back.
“It’s not of any value to anyone apart from us.”
The burglars also took the family’s televisions, computer consoles, mobile phones, cameras and their BMW car.
The car was found the next day behind the Hatherley Inn in Wards Road, Up Hatherley. A police spokeswoman confirmed officers are investigating the burglary.
She said: “Anyone who has any information about this incident is urged to get in touch with us.”
To contact police, call 0845 090 1234, citing incident 277 of March 8.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
12 Comments
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by Anna-Marie, Glawster
Thursday, March 18 2010, 9:04PM
“This family deserves a break, especially Dean! Poor Chelsea :( People are cruel. Remember the world's not against you, people care :) x”
by reader, cheltenham
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 6:29PM
“how sad i was to read the story about chelseas ashes i met this lovely family when they did some work for me last year this family is hard working and kind to think that someone has done this to them is dispicable lets hope they don't think everyone is like the people who did this too them and i hope they know how highly they are thought of in the cheltenham area god bless you all”
by me, here
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 3:36PM
“james s. yes i keep my dogs ashes in a box in my liing room too, both of them. i dust them off every week, the boxes are very decorative, and the cntents priceless. and when my pets i have now depsrt this life they too will be there, god willing. i do hope the family get their beloved dogs ashes back, intact. i would be devastated.”
by anon, stroud
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 12:59PM
“chris wheeler, cheltenham. So do I, and I have two, little blighters take no prisoners either, but they are also very affectionate”
by chris wheeler, cheltenham
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 12:47PM
“i like dogs, however i like cats better, i like it when they sleep on my face and show affection.”
by anon, stroud
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 12:33PM
“James S cheltenham, I do - granted I don't carry them around and kiss them but then I'm 53 not 6. Not strange behaviour for a child really. They don't view or understand death the way we do. Just because someone keeps their pets ashes in the house isn't a sign of insanity, just gives a bit of comfort and keeps them close to you. My mum keeps my Dad's ashes in the spare room, and on anniverary's I send flowers which she puts with him, and believe me she razor sharp and sound as pound. Many people have the ashes of their loved ones in the home, not necessarily on the mantlepiece, thats a bit weird, but many like my Mum keep them so that when she goes they can then be buried together.
What possesed these scum to take a dead pets ashes god only knows, perhaps they thought the family jewels were hidden in there, or like most of these cretins, just like to cause maximum hurt for reason I cannot understand. Wrecking the house and stealing what doesn't belong seems to be their "career". Unlike the rest of us who prefer go to work to earn a living”
by James S, Cheltenham
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 10:57AM
“Who on earth keeps ashes of there dead pet in there house!? The young girl used to kiss it and carry it around! NOT NORMAL.”
by Anon, Cheltenham
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 10:22AM
“That is awful. So horrible to be burgled and lose your possessions but taking the dogs ashes - that is low. I hope they get them back although the damage has been done.”
by The Reverend, Kingsholm
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 9:57AM
“Didn't Bill Clinton have a dog called Chelsea?”
by John Spade, Chelt
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 9:26AM
“This is typical of the scum around at present. It will bring no joy, but I despair for the area”