By Sara Beth Williams–
A plaque honoring the founders of a local dog park has been reported stolen, leaving members of the Pet Owners Organization of Citrus Heights (P.O.O.C.H.) shaken and saddened, according to a recent social media post.
In a post shared on the group’s Facebook page, the pet organization’s president, Michelle Knotts, expressed strong emotions about the theft.
“To the person who stole this — what a vile thing to do. I’m beyond sickened and saddened. Why?” Knotts wrote, adding that plaque “meant everything” and the organization invested over $1,400 into something that held “deep meaning” for the community.
“I’m truly at a loss—just heartbroken and disgusted. This is incredibly sad,” Knotts said.
Knotts told The Sentinel that the bronze Founders Plaque disappeared from C-Bar-C Dog Park sometime between April 23 and the morning of April 24.
“We aren’t sure what happened. It was at the park on Thursday, and on Friday it was missing,” Knotts said. “We are devastated about this and will have to raise the money to buy it again.”
She suspects it was stolen by someone who wanted to “recycle” the plaque for the bronze and offered up $100 reward for its return, no questions asked. So far, nothing has been returned.
The plaque was installed in 2025 to recognize the individuals who helped establish both P.O.O.C.H. and the dog park. A dedication ceremony was held at C-Bar-C Dog Park on Oct. 18, 2025, Knotts said, adding that 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of the dog park.
“It really is one of the best parks for dogs, small and large in our area,” Knotts said. Sunrise Recreation and Parks District oversees maintenance of the park itself, but Knotts says the pet organization of Citrus Heights pays for everything inside the dog park, including poop bags, chairs, the shade structures, which cost at least $15,000, plus pools and other items.
The plaque listed 19 names of individuals who helped found POOCH, with a message saying, “In honor of our founding members… without whom we would not have these beautiful dog parks.”
Knotts said online that the organization had been wanting to honor the founders for a while, and invested a lot of time and money into finding just the right plaque.
Several community members expressed their sympathy and own frustration over the theft of the plaque, and at least one offered to help reinstall a new plaque so that it would never be stolen.
P.O.O.C.H. is a registered nonprofit, whose funding comes from membership fees and donations from fundraising events. Anyone with information regarding the plaque’s theft can contact P.O.O.C.H. or the Citrus Heights Police Department.
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