‘Absolutely heartbreaking’: Dog’s leg amputated after holiday heist
A California family’s Christmas season took a devastating turn after a burglary at their Fontana home nearly cost them their dog’s life.
On Dec. 3, thieves allegedly broke through a gate at the home of Krystal Altamirano and David Lopez, stealing Christmas presents and leaving the property unsecured. The open gate allowed the family’s 2½-year-old Australian blue heeler, Sparky, to wander away from home and into traffic, where he was struck by a car.
For two days, Sparky was missing as temperatures dropped. Injured, hungry, and dehydrated, the dog remained hidden while his owners searched desperately throughout the neighborhood.
“When my boyfriend finally found him, Sparky crawled out from under a structure and collapsed on his side, as if begging for help,” Altamirano wrote on a GoFundMe page. “It was absolutely heartbreaking.”
Sparky was discovered in bushes near a neighbor’s home and rushed for emergency veterinary care. Due to the severity of his injuries and infection, doctors were forced to amputate one of his legs. Veterinarians told the family the damage suggested he may have been dragged after being hit.
“Losing our Christmas gifts was already painful, but nothing compares to seeing our dog suffer,” Altamirano said. “The timing, the holidays, everything hitting at once—it’s overwhelming.”
While the suspects have not been identified, an outpouring of public support has helped the family focus on Sparky’s recovery. A GoFundMe campaign launched Dec. 5 quickly exceeded its original $13,500 goal. As of Wednesday, more than 500 donors had contributed over $18,000 to help cover Sparky’s medical expenses.
“Your generosity has made it possible for us to pursue the best possible care for Sparky,” Altamirano told supporters.
Though the burglary left lasting damage, the family says the kindness of strangers has brought hope during an otherwise painful holiday season. For Sparky and his owners, the greatest gift this year wasn’t wrapped under a tree—it was a second chance at life.
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