TUCSON, Ariz. — Gabriel Allen is a five-year-old boy who loves watching Sesame Street and playing with his big brother, but recent Gabriel lost something very important to him.
"My son takes his Grover everywhere and it ended up getting left behind in a stroller," Gabriel's mom, Sheila, said.
Sunday at Park Place Mall, the family left Gabriel's stuffed Grover in a stroller. Sheila called mall security and even checked the strollers herself but Grover was nowhere to be found.
"[Grover is] just very special to him," Sheila said. "He has autism and down syndrome and it's just very special."
His mom said Gabriel never went anywhere without Grover. Even taking his first school picture with the toy and sleeping with him at night.
"It's his comfort toy," Sheila said.
The family has a backup toy that looks identical to the original Grover, but Sheila says Gabriel knows the difference and just throws the other to across the room.
She said Gabriel's Grover has matted hair and worn down thumbs where Gabriel grips and rubs the toy. He's been searching for Grover under couches and calling out for him in his own way.
Now, Sheila has just one request for whoever found her son's best friend:
"I hope that we will be able to get it back. I hope that somebody sees this and is able to return his Grover."
If you found Grover and want to return him to the family please call (520) 290-7700 or email news@kgun9.com
