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Internet sensation dog found dead

Posted at 4:51 PM, May 04, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-10 21:15:08-04

UPDATE: May 10, 2018: Chickpea was found dead Thursday morning. His owner, Ann-Eve Dingell contacted KGUN9 News about 10:30am. She said a neighbor found Chickpea not far from his home. He appeared to have died from an animal attack.  Ann-Eve Dingell wants to thank the many people who offered prayers and tried to find the little dog she loved so much. She suggests anyone who wants to remember Chickpea donate to Friends of PACC (Pima Animal Care Center) because she adopted Chickpea from PACC,

ORIGINAL STORY:

An internet phenomenon is missing.  He's a dog---a chihuahua named Chickpea.

Chickpea is a tiny Chihuahua with a giant place in Ann-Eve Dingell's heart.

“He is unrelentingly this little blithe spirit who's just kind-hearted and thinks the world loves him as much as he loves the world."

But she is a wreck because a few days ago Chickpea disappeared from her yard in Winterhaven.  She says he wouldn't run away.  She's worried someone took him.

At KGUN9 we get calls from people all the time from people urging us to do a story on their lost dog.

We sympathize but it would be so overwhelming we just can't do it.  But here's why we'll make an exception in this case.  This dog, Chickpea is an internet sensation.  He has 32 thousand followers on Facebook.

Ann-Eve Dingell says, "It's crazy because I'll be walking through an airport or a mall in another city and somebody will recognize him."

Chickpea's large circle of friends has been trying to find him, and Ann-Eve imagines the moment Chickpea comes home.

“Absolute insane joy. I can imagine nothing better, ever, ever in life.  These guys are my life.  I've had no greater joy than just taking in these little things and the thought of losing one of them this way is killing me."

If you know where to find Chickpea email Ann-Eve Dingell at ae@ann-eve.com or call the KGUN9 newsroom at 520-290-7700. There is a reward.