Alberta Bakker says she is amazed at the power of social media after her dog, who she says was stolen from her lap while she slept on the TTC, was found several hours later.

Bakker says she got on the subway at Eglinton Station around 6:30 p.m. Sunday and fell sleep with her dog on her lap. When she woke up to get off at St. Andrew Station, the eight-year-old Chihuahua Terrier mix named Malachi was gone. Her iPad was also reportedly stolen.

“I was just beside myself,” said Baker. “I didn’t know what to do.”

She contacted police and animal services, filed a report and posted on Facebook.

Several hours later, Bakker heard, via Facebook, from a woman who had found Malachi wandering in the Eaton Centre.

Bakker says the woman and her boyfriend, who were visiting from out of town, had bought Malachi a new leash and gotten him food and water. They then brought him back to their hotel where they contacted Bakker.

“They’re my saviours. I’m so thankful for them,” said Bakker.

Good Samaritans Reunite Owner With Stolen Dog! 51 Division Toronto Police Service, with the help of some very good… Posted by Toronto Police Service on Monday, May 20, 2019

Bakker says her Facebook post was shared more than 300 times within four hours, and is grateful for everyone who helped spread the message.

“I couldn’t believe how far it went in just a few hours.”

Bakker says she gave the Good Samaritan couple some money to treat themselves to drinks at the Raptors Game that night.

“Hopefully they had a great night. And it was a good game, so hopefully they had a good vacation.”