UPDATE: The Stockton Shelter was able to take Good Linus (that's what we started calling him, because we know a dog that looks like him named Linus who is naughty lol). He was fantastic with dogs, cats, and people. and since he's a light colored toy breed I don't think he's going to have any trouble getting adopted :)

For everyone's safety, meet in a public place and never send money to strangers to recover a pet. Verify anyone who claims a pet before arranging a meeting.