Austin, TX, July 28, 2025
News Summary
A search is ongoing for a black terrier mix named Noodles, stolen with the vehicle of food blogger Taylor Hannan in South Austin. Despite recovering Hannan’s damaged car, Noodles remains missing. Hannan organized a community search party and filed a report with the police, but there have been no updates on the dog’s whereabouts or suspects. Local resources have been recommended to help find missing pets, including microchip services. The incident highlights the rising trend of auto theft in Austin.
Austin, TX – A search effort is underway for Noodles, a black terrier mix, after being stolen along with the vehicle of local food blogger Taylor Hannan. The theft occurred early Friday morning at approximately 4:40 a.m. near a South Austin apartment complex. Hannan had briefly left his 2020 red Honda Civic with Noodles inside to retrieve the dog’s food and bed. When he returned, he discovered someone entering his car and stealing it.
By Saturday afternoon, Hannan’s stolen vehicle was discovered approximately 20 miles east of the theft site on SH 71. The Honda was damaged, with several electronics either broken or removed. Despite the recovery of the car, there has been no sign of Noodles, which has left Hannan feeling lost without his furry companion. He obtained Noodles eight years ago from Craigslist, and the two have been inseparable since.
In a bid to locate Noodles, Hannan organized a search party on Sunday. Volunteers gathered around St. Elmo Elementary in South and East Austin to comb through the area in hopes of finding the lost dog. Taylor Hannan filed a report with the Austin Police Department regarding both the theft of his car and his dog. However, there have been no updates and no clear description of the suspects has been provided. It was noted that two scooters were left behind by the thief, suggesting that they may have used them to arrive at the apartment complex.
Hannan’s red Honda Civic was captured on security cameras at a nearby La Quinta Inn shortly after the theft incident, providing potential leads for authorities. April Peiffer from the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter has recommended utilizing services such as Petco Love Lost, which employs photo matching technology to assist owners in their searches for lost pets. Additionally, Peiffer emphasized the importance of ensuring that contact information on pet microchips is current in order to expedite the reunion of lost pets with their owners.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Hannan remains optimistic about Noodles’ return. As Noodles has a microchip, there is a possibility that if taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, he could be returned to Hannan. In his appeal for help, Hannan has expressed his desire that the car thieves return Noodles, stating that he would happily let them keep the vehicle in exchange for his dog.
The incident is reflective of a concerning trend in Austin, where auto theft cases have seen a rise, with reports exceeding 1,300 in April alone. As the community rallies to help find Noodles, many are reminded of the heightened vigilance required in protecting vehicles and pets alike.
FAQs
What happened to Taylor Hannan’s car and dog?
On Friday morning, Taylor Hannan’s car and dog, Noodles, were stolen while Hannan briefly left the vehicle to fetch supplies.
When and where did the theft occur?
The theft occurred early Friday morning at approximately 4:40 a.m. near a South Austin apartment complex.
Was the car recovered?
Yes, the car was found on Saturday afternoon abandoned and damaged, approximately 20 miles from the theft site.
What steps is Hannan taking to find Noodles?
Hannan has organized a search party and is encouraging the community to help look for Noodles while working with local authorities.
What resources are available for missing pets in Austin?
Services like Petco Love Lost use photo matching technology to reunite lost pets with their owners, and microchip registration can assist in recovery.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Theft Date | Friday morning, around 4:40 a.m. |
| Location | South Austin apartment complex |
| Vehicle Details | 2020 red Honda Civic |
| Companion Dog | Noodles, black terrier mix, microchipped |
| Car Recovery | Found 20 miles east, damaged |
| Community Response | Search party organized, community involvement |
| Current Status | No updates on the dog or suspects |
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Additional Resources
- Austin Monthly
- Wikipedia: Pet Recovery
- KVUE
- Google Search: Austin Dog Theft
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Scholar: Pet Theft
- KXAN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stolen Pets
- Austin Eater
- Google News: Austin Pet Recovery
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
AUSTIN STAFF WRITER The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
