‘Absolutely heartbreaking’: Dog’s leg amputated after holiday heist

A California family’s Christmas turned into an absolute nightmare after a heartless heist nearly cost their beloved dog his life.

Looters allegedly broke through a gate at the Fontana home of Krystal Altamirano and David Lopez on Dec. 3.

The “grinches” didn’t just make off with the family’s Christmas presents — they left the gate wide open, allowing the family’s 2.5-year-old Australian blue heeler, Sparky, to wander into the path of oncoming traffic.

Sparky is a 2.5-year-old Australian blue heeler. Gofundme

Sparky was hit by a car, and for two agonizing days, the pup was lost in the biting cold — starving and dehydrated while his owners frantically searched their neighborhood.

“When my boyfriend finally found him, Sparky crawled out from under a structure and rolled onto his side as if begging for help,” Altamirano wrote on a GoFundMe page. “It was absolutely heartbreaking.” Sparky was found in the bushes of a neighbors house. Ultimately, the poor pooch had to have his leg amputated because he had lost the ligaments to support his ankle.

The injuries were gruesome: Sparky suffered a broken foot, a fractured leg, and a severe infection so advanced that maggots had begun to infest his wounds. Doctors told the family that Sparky was likely dragged by a car, because his entire leg was “ripped apart.”

“Losing our Christmas gifts was already painful… but nothing compares to seeing our dog suffering like this,” Altamirano said. “The timing, the holidays, everything hitting at once—it’s overwhelming.”

The pup got his leg amputated last Friday.

But while the burglars showed the worst of humanity, the internet showed the best.

Since the GoFundMe campaign was launched on Dec. 5, more than 500 donors have opened their wallets, surpassing the initial $13,500 goal. The fund has surpassed $18,000 to cover Sparky’s mounting medical bills as of Wednesday.

“Your generosity has made it possible for us to continue pursuing the best possible care,” Altamirano told supporters.

The burglars remain at large, but for Sparky and his parents, the greatest gift this year isn’t under a tree–it’s the second chance at life provided by a swarm of secret Santas from across the country.