Owner of missing dog inside stolen van says Jasper has been found alive and is 'very cold and hungry'

A "very cold and hungry" show dog was reunited with his owner Monday evening, three days after someone stole the van he was in outside a South St. Paul hotel.

Earlier Monday, South St. Paul Police released a picture taken Saturday morning of a man possibly connected to the theft.

Jasper's owner, Michelle Cramblett Baker, posted photos on Facebook showing Jasper after he was rescued.

"Jasper has been found and is alive very cold and hungry but we have him back!!!!," she posted.

Cramblett Baker could not be reached for further comment. She told KARE-11 that Jasper was discovered by good Samaritans James and Tara Wirtz inside the abandoned van.

Earlier Monday, Cramblett Baker announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to Jasper's recovery. Her dog and 2013 Chrysler Town & Country van with Illinois plates were taken Saturday morning from the enVision Hotel in South St. Paul. Jasper is a male boxer who was in town for the Land O'Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show in downtown St. Paul.

"I was 15 feet away and I watched as my whole world drove away," Cramblett Baker wrote Saturday. "Please please please return my dog to a safe place!!!!"

Police asked anyone with information about the suspect to call investigator Matthew Case at 651-554-3311 or to message them directly via their Facebook page.

Cramblett Baker said Jasper was in a kennel in the van when it was taken. She posted a picture Friday of herself with Jasper celebrating his win as Best of Breed at the dog show.