A little north of Ballard, in Broadview, someone stole a VW Eurovan out of Katie Barloon’s driveway late last week. She writes us:
“Along with many possessions, my dog’s ashes were inside. It’s very sad to me and I feel helpless. Although the van is my sole transportation with three kids, I don’t so much care about it. It will be replaced by insurance. However, my dod Harry was my best friend and losing him has been the hardest thing I have been through in my 37 years! He was very young and was diagnosed with untreatable cancer last February. It took his life in March and because Harry loved the van, we have been letting him RIP in it. Harry would always make sure he was in the van so he would always be included in our family outings, so we figured that he would love stay in there until we did a proper burial.”
Katie asks that you be on the lookout for a 2003 Silver VW Eurovan with a “We Love Our Pets” specialty plate, #PT01883. If you have any information, you can email her at samandkatie@mac.com. (Thanks West Seattle Blog.)
She told you her reasoning in the story. Kind of a cheap shot to blame the victim. She's already feeling the sting of loss. I hope she recovers her pet's remains and is able to give him the rest he's earned.
Wow, bad form Nina. She said why! And where do you get off questioning what is truly her f'ing choice? This is the day after the celebration of our freedoms, what a day to pick to question that. I wish that I was surprised you'd be first in line… Very bad form.
I personally know three other people that have their dog's ashes in their trunk. The dogs LOVED riding in the car. I don't see why this is so hard to understand. Like burying it under a tree then moving makes more sense?
I totally agree. I cringe every time I bury one of my precious pets, thinking that if I ever move (crossing fingers that it never happens) some stranger will dig up one of my kitties and go Eww! in reaction to the bones of a beautiful pet we dearly loved.
This woman OWNED her vehicle!!!! She can keep whatever she wants in a vehicle she OWNS and nobody has the right to question her nor to steal the vehicle from her. I detest thieves.
Anyone who questions why this women kept her dog's ashes in her van either has never owned a pet or never been very attached to a pet – in my opinion. Our dog died last year after living with us for 13 years. The symbolism of his ashes and where we wanted to keep them was a big part of helping us grieve a huge loss to our whole family. Where we ended up putting his ashes doesn't matter – it's not any different than if we'd chose to keep them in our car because that's where he loved to be (our dog didn't happen to like to be in the car so we put them elsewhere). I respect anyone who cares enough for their pet and wants to do a symbolic show of knowing who their pet was and what they loved. I hope that woman does not read these comment pages – they seem to bring out the nastiest and most insensitive reactions from people.
Since when did freedom mean we are not allowed to voice our thought on any issue or querstion what we choose to question? Freedom means you can have an issue with ashes. Freedom also means I can think it is absurd. And BTW, I would think the same if it was a human being.
It's true – freedom does mean that people have the freedom to publicly display their insensitivity and ignorance. Some of us just can't imagine stating out loud our rude thoughts when it is obvious that will make the person in pain feel worse. So I guess it comes down to we all the freedom to be decent people or thoughtless jerks.
Sammy1981, that is an extremely condescending comment. This is not a “catfight;” it's simply reasonable, sensitive people responding to an insulting, thoughtless comment by a rather unintelligent poster. Kind of like your comment.
Regardless of anyone's feelings, I'm REALLY glad I'm getting the word out. To those of you who understand, thank you. To those that don't understand why my dog's ashes are in my car, I get why you would think I'm a fruitcake. The unconditional love of a pet is a wonderful thing and I hope you experience it some day. Thanks to all of you who are keeping a look out for my van. Katie
Katie – I'm sure its not news that some people are just dickwads who will argue any point just for the sake of argument. Regardless; those of us who have been blessed with the wonder of a dog's unconditional love get it. I will keep an eye out for your van. I'n sorry for your loss.
Me, too, Katie. I'm so terribly sorry for the loss of your precious pet, and the horrible theft of your van. Sometimes, I'm simply overwhelmed by the heartless people we rub shoulders with every day. Fortunately, there are dogs and cats, and sometimes even birds, who love us know matter what, and they're never forgotten. I sincerely hope you retrieve what's yours.
Seems like a weird car to steal. Transients wanting to move, or is it a hot car for parts? I know they stopped making the Eurovan line a couple years ago. What condition was the van in… like new or was there any damage to distinguish it?
I'm glad people are still commenting. It was in great condition. No damage to distinguish it, but the thule box on the roof and bike rack makes it pretty hard to miss. It has the “we love our pets'' specialty plates. Keep your eye out. Thanks for reading and commenting. I hope to have Harry home soon Katie
I, too, will keep a lookout. I TOTALLY understand about why the ashes were in the van. A week ago today my beloved cat died. He, too, loved to ride in my car – and would go on four hour trips down to the Oregon Coast with me and my dog. He hated cat carriers & had his 'kitty condo' in the front seat -his bed pillow & then one of those shields you put across your windshield to keep out the sun – but laying on the dashboard back to the top of the front seat so the sun didn't beat down on him. He loved it. Hope very soon you get your beloved Harry home (by the way what a cutie he was!)
To dmn, SweetRose and Ninaf…..What in the world is weird about this choice???!!! You have no right to judge the way someone loves their pet. I, and many others, happen to think it's a fitting tribute to a family member to continue a beloved tradition.
There could be a happy ending here. There are many stories of people who steal cars and such, find something they realize is of significant sentimental value (besides the main thing they stole) , and find a way to return it, or put it where someone else can find it. Maybe that will happen here. Maybe the person or people who took the van are reading this right now and in their hearts they are getting what they need to do.
I hope you get your dog's ashes back. We just lost our 15 yr old dog this year and I can't imagine losing her ashes!!!! Dogs are amazing souls! I wish you luck getting Harry back! Best to to you!!!!!
Thanks, I'm hoping so too. I hope my comment about Harry and our kids being equal doesn't offend too many people.I know dog lovers will understand, but I also know a lot of people wont. Thanks for you support and keep your eye out. WOW- I can't believe they are still running the story. I think KOMO radio is running it today too. All because of myballard.com. K
Katie – any word on your van/Harry? A lot of times it seems like a car is stolen and then dumped in another neighborhood and found within a short time. Hope this is the case with yours.
Ballard- Found the van, but the ashes were gone. I'm really bummed out. I informed channel 7 to ask them to to an update on the story they ran yesterday. I also informed myballard, but haven't heard back. If anyone sees a random urn, it's harry! I'm hoping that who ever has it leaves it somewhere safe and in a place that it will be discovered. Thanks for you thoughts. Katie
I'm so sorry the ashes were gone. What did the urn look like? Not sure if you gave a description before or if you have a picture to post. Who knows – maybe somebody found it close to your area where possibly these idiots dumped it. So sorry about the ashes. Was hoping when your van was found you'd have him back.
Kate – a thought. Maybe drive to area where your van was found. possibly the thieves left it around where it was found. Or put up a poster around that area. i've come across where stolen car was dumped and there were CD's, etc all over the ground. just a thought.
So sad! I'm sorry for the loss of your pet…and for the loss of the ashes. I know how difficult this must be for you. I just lost my beloved 10-year old Doberman and I brought his ashes home today. I hold those ashes in reverence and can't imagine how devastating it would be if they were stolen.
I hope Harry's ashes turn up somehow. Maybe someone will hear this story and return them to you.
“Along with many possessions, my dog’s ashes were inside. It’s very sad to me and I feel helpless. Although the van is my sole transportation with three kids, I don’t so much care about it. It will be replaced by insurance. However, my dod Harry was my best friend and losing him has been the hardest thing I have been through in my 37 years! He was very young and was diagnosed with untreatable cancer last February. It took his life in March and because Harry loved the van, we have been letting him RIP in it. Harry would always make sure he was in the van so he would always be included in our family outings, so we figured that he would love stay in there until we did a proper burial.”
![](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-My-Ballard-Tile-Ad-Troop-100.png")
![](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/My-Ballard-ad-1.png")
Why would you leave your pets ashes in your van?
She told you her reasoning in the story. Kind of a cheap shot to blame the victim. She's already feeling the sting of loss. I hope she recovers her pet's remains and is able to give him the rest he's earned.
Wow, bad form Nina.
She said why!
And where do you get off questioning what is truly her f'ing choice?
This is the day after the celebration of our freedoms, what a day to pick to question that.
I wish that I was surprised you'd be first in line…
Very bad form.
You have to admit that it's still a little weird.
Totally tragic though.
I personally know three other people that have their dog's ashes in their trunk. The dogs LOVED riding in the car. I don't see why this is so hard to understand. Like burying it under a tree then moving makes more sense?
I totally agree. I cringe every time I bury one of my precious pets, thinking that if I ever move (crossing fingers that it never happens) some stranger will dig up one of my kitties and go Eww! in reaction to the bones of a beautiful pet we dearly loved.
This woman OWNED her vehicle!!!! She can keep whatever she wants in a vehicle she OWNS and nobody has the right to question her nor to steal the vehicle from her. I detest thieves.
Anyone who questions why this women kept her dog's ashes in her van either has never owned a pet or never been very attached to a pet – in my opinion. Our dog died last year after living with us for 13 years. The symbolism of his ashes and where we wanted to keep them was a big part of helping us grieve a huge loss to our whole family. Where we ended up putting his ashes doesn't matter – it's not any different than if we'd chose to keep them in our car because that's where he loved to be (our dog didn't happen to like to be in the car so we put them elsewhere). I respect anyone who cares enough for their pet and wants to do a symbolic show of knowing who their pet was and what they loved. I hope that woman does not read these comment pages – they seem to bring out the nastiest and most insensitive reactions from people.
Why was this comment even necessary?
Oops–this was in response to NinaF.
Since when did freedom mean we are not allowed to voice our thought on any issue or querstion what we choose to question? Freedom means you can have an issue with ashes. Freedom also means I can think it is absurd. And BTW, I would think the same if it was a human being.
It's true – freedom does mean that people have the freedom to publicly display their insensitivity and ignorance. Some of us just can't imagine stating out loud our rude thoughts when it is obvious that will make the person in pain feel worse. So I guess it comes down to we all the freedom to be decent people or thoughtless jerks.
Oh, nicely done, Ballardmom.
A dog dies and a catfight breaks out…only on myballard.com
Sammy1981, that is an extremely condescending comment. This is not a “catfight;” it's simply reasonable, sensitive people responding to an insulting, thoughtless comment by a rather unintelligent poster. Kind of like your comment.
Meow!
Ah, I missed that. So, you're the cat. Okay, my apologies, as I like cats.
Its' all perception Mom. I happen to think this sort of thing is mentally unhealthy and I don't consider it rude to comment on such.
Aw, my heart goes out to you Katie. :o( Nothing quite like a dog's unconditional love! Best of luck in recovering your things.
good one.
is any comment necessary?
Regardless of anyone's feelings, I'm REALLY glad I'm getting the word out. To those of you who understand, thank you. To those that don't understand why my dog's ashes are in my car, I get why you would think I'm a fruitcake. The unconditional love of a pet is a wonderful thing and I hope you experience it some day.
Thanks to all of you who are keeping a look out for my van.
Katie
Katie – I'm sure its not news that some people are just dickwads who will argue any point just for the sake of argument. Regardless; those of us who have been blessed with the wonder of a dog's unconditional love get it. I will keep an eye out for your van. I'n sorry for your loss.
Me, too, Katie. I'm so terribly sorry for the loss of your precious pet, and the horrible theft of your van. Sometimes, I'm simply overwhelmed by the heartless people we rub shoulders with every day. Fortunately, there are dogs and cats, and sometimes even birds, who love us know matter what, and they're never forgotten. I sincerely hope you retrieve what's yours.
Sounding more like an ass every minute…
I'll keep an eye out too, Katie. And I'm very sorry you had to feel the pain of loss for that lovely little pup a second time.
Seems like a weird car to steal. Transients wanting to move, or is it a hot car for parts? I know they stopped making the Eurovan line a couple years ago. What condition was the van in… like new or was there any damage to distinguish it?
I'm glad people are still commenting. It was in great condition. No damage to distinguish it, but the thule box on the roof and bike rack makes it pretty hard to miss. It has the “we love our pets'' specialty plates.
Keep your eye out. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I hope to have Harry home soon
Katie
what kind of dog was harry? his picture is so cute and i'm sure he was a lovable guy.
I, too, will keep a lookout. I TOTALLY understand about why the ashes were in the van. A week ago today my beloved cat died. He, too, loved to ride in my car – and would go on four hour trips down to the Oregon Coast with me and my dog. He hated cat carriers & had his 'kitty condo' in the front seat -his bed pillow & then one of those shields you put across your windshield to keep out the sun – but laying on the dashboard back to the top of the front seat so the sun didn't beat down on him. He loved it. Hope very soon you get your beloved Harry home (by the way what a cutie he was!)
To dmn, SweetRose and Ninaf…..What in the world is weird about this choice???!!! You have no right to judge the way someone loves their pet. I, and many others, happen to think it's a fitting tribute to a family member to continue a beloved tradition.
NOT when it is judgmental and insensitive!
There could be a happy ending here. There are many stories of people who steal cars and such, find something they realize is of significant sentimental value (besides the main thing they stole) , and find a way to return it, or put it where someone else can find it. Maybe that will happen here. Maybe the person or people who took the van are reading this right now and in their hearts they are getting what they need to do.
I hope you get your dog's ashes back. We just lost our 15 yr old dog this year and I can't imagine losing her ashes!!!! Dogs are amazing souls! I wish you luck getting Harry back! Best to to you!!!!!
Oh yeah, I hear those stories all the time too…..not.
Seriously, are you that naive?
I saw your story on the news this morning, I certainly hope that helps.
Best wishes.
Thanks, I'm hoping so too. I hope my comment about Harry and our kids
being equal doesn't offend too many people.I know dog lovers will
understand, but I also know a lot of people wont.
Thanks for you support and keep your eye out.
WOW- I can't believe they are still running the story. I think KOMO
radio is running it today too.
All because of myballard.com.
K
Yeah, been hearing on KOMO 1000 as well.
Long live MYBALLARD!
Really, you've heard it already. I wasn't supposed to air until 2 pm
today.
I'll have to turn it on.
Thanks
Katie – any word on your van/Harry? A lot of times it seems like a car is stolen and then dumped in another neighborhood and found within a short time. Hope this is the case with yours.
Ballard-
Found the van, but the ashes were gone. I'm really bummed out.
I informed channel 7 to ask them to to an update on the story they ran yesterday.
I also informed myballard, but haven't heard back.
If anyone sees a random urn, it's harry! I'm hoping that who ever has it leaves it somewhere safe and in a place that it will be discovered.
Thanks for you thoughts.
Katie
I'm so sorry the ashes were gone. What did the urn look like? Not sure if you gave a description before or if you have a picture to post. Who knows – maybe somebody found it close to your area where possibly these idiots dumped it.
So sorry about the ashes. Was hoping when your van was found you'd have him back.
There was a pic on channel 7 news, but I should post here if I can.
Maybe myballard will update the story and include the urn.
Thanks Ballard.
K
Kate – a thought. Maybe drive to area where your van was found. possibly the thieves left it around where it was found. Or put up a poster around that area. i've come across where stolen car was dumped and there were CD's, etc all over the ground.
just a thought.
So sad! I'm sorry for the loss of your pet…and for the loss of the ashes. I know how difficult this must be for you. I just lost my beloved 10-year old Doberman and I brought his ashes home today. I hold those ashes in reverence and can't imagine how devastating it would be if they were stolen.
I hope Harry's ashes turn up somehow. Maybe someone will hear this story and return them to you.
You and Harry will be in my thoughts and prayers!