City prosecutor Jerry Little was convinced that Booster, above – the Dalmatian mascot for the Sarcoxie Township’s fire department – probably didn’t run 10 miles from his owner’s home in Jefferson County to the 2000 block of Massachusetts Street around the Independence Day holiday.

Little has dropped the animal at-large ticket and possible $30 fine involving the deaf dog and his owners, Lisa and Doug Schmitt.

Lisa Schmitt believed her dog was stolen because he never strayed far from the rural home. On Wednesday, Schmitt and a friend, who originally picked up Booster from the humane society, met with Little.

“She thinks the dog was stolen. Basically we gave her a break on it,” Little said.

Schmitt said she was pleased with Little’s understanding and instead donated $30 to the Lawrence Humane Society.

A story about Booster was featured earlier in the Journal-World.