Krystal Altamirano and David Lopez’s Dog to Have Leg Amputated After Package Thief Leaves Gate Open Leading to Hit-by-Car Injury

A routine afternoon in Fontana, California, turned into a devastating ordeal for Krystal Altamirano and her boyfriend, David Lopez, after a package theft outside their home set off a chain of events that would permanently alter the life of their young dog. What began as the loss of holiday gifts ordered during Black Friday escalated into a medical emergency when their backyard gate was left open by the alleged thief, allowing two dogs to escape.

One of them, a 2.5-year-old Australian blue heeler named Sparky, would later be found critically injured after being struck by a vehicle. Veterinarians have since determined that Sparky will need to have one of his legs amputated, a decision forced by the severity and progression of his injuries.

The incident has drawn attention not only because of the theft itself but because of the profound consequences that followed. For Altamirano and Lopez, the emotional toll has been overwhelming, compounded by mounting veterinary costs and the timing of the crisis during the holiday season. Their experience illustrates how a seemingly small act of negligence can result in life-altering harm, extending far beyond the immediate crime.

Package Theft and the Moment Everything Changed

According to the couple, the theft occurred at approximately 12:36 p.m. on December 3, when an unknown individual entered their property and stole several holiday packages from their yard. The items had been ordered online in preparation for Christmas, taking advantage of Black Friday sales. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the theft, but it was what happened next that proved catastrophic.

When the intruder left the property, the backyard gate was not closed. Sparky and the couple’s other dog, Blazer, escaped through the open gate and made their way into the neighborhood. Blazer eventually returned home on his own, but Sparky did not. As hours passed with no sign of him, concern quickly turned into alarm.

Family members and friends joined Altamirano and Lopez in searching the surrounding area. They walked the neighborhood, called out his name, and followed any leads they could find. Despite spending roughly eight hours searching that first day, there was no trace of Sparky. As night fell, the fear that something terrible had happened began to settle in.

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For two days, Sparky remained missing. During that time, Krystal Altamirano later said, he was suffering alone. When he was eventually found, it became clear just how dire his situation had been. According to the family, Sparky had been injured, starving, dehydrated, and unable to move. His condition suggested that he had been struck by a car shortly after escaping and had likely been dragging himself or dragged along the roadway before finding a place to hide.

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Krystal Altamirano described the moment Sparky was finally discovered as deeply distressing. When David Lopez located him, the dog crawled out from beneath a structure and rolled onto his side, a gesture she interpreted as a plea for help. The emotional impact of seeing their once-energetic dog in such a condition was profound, underscoring the suddenness with which normal life had been replaced by crisis.

Severe Injuries and the Decision to Amputate

Sparky was rushed to a veterinary facility, where the full extent of his injuries became apparent. He had suffered a broken foot, a fractured leg, and a severe infection. The wounds were complicated further by the presence of maggots, indicating that the injuries had been exposed and untreated for an extended period. One of the most serious findings was that his leg was nearly torn off, with damage extending up toward his hip.

Emily Moreno, a relative of the couple, later explained that the injury involved exposed bone and torn ligaments. Veterinarians believed that Sparky may have been dragged after being hit by the car, which would explain both the severity of the trauma and the extensive tissue damage. The initial goal was to stabilize him and attempt to repair the wounds, but the challenges were significant.

Despite medical efforts to clean, treat, and close the injury, the wound continued to reopen. Persistent infection and tissue damage made healing increasingly unlikely. After careful evaluation, the veterinary team concluded that amputation offered the best chance for Sparky to recover and live without constant pain or risk of further complications.

For Altamirano and Lopez, the recommendation was heartbreaking but unavoidable. The decision to amputate was not taken lightly, yet it represented the only viable path forward. While the loss of a limb is a permanent change, veterinarians reassured the family that dogs can adapt well to life on three legs, particularly when they are young and otherwise healthy.

Photos shared following Sparky’s return home showed him wearing an E-collar and a leg cast, resting beside Blazer. Though visibly injured, he was once again in a safe environment, receiving care and attention. The images served as a reminder of both the trauma he endured and the resilience that animals often demonstrate in the face of extreme hardship.

Financial Strain, Community Support, and an Uncertain Road Ahead

Beyond the emotional impact, the incident has placed a significant financial burden on the family. Emergency veterinary care, hospitalization, surgery, and follow-up treatment have resulted in costs that quickly escalated beyond what Altamirano and Lopez could manage alone. In response, they launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $8,000 to help cover Sparky’s medical expenses.

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In her description of the fundraiser, Krystal Altamirano expressed the weight of the situation. Losing their Christmas gifts was painful, she said, but it paled in comparison to watching their dog suffer while facing uncertainty about how to pay for the care he needed. The convergence of events—the theft, the injury, the holidays—created a sense of being overwhelmed from multiple directions at once.

The fundraiser also served as a platform for sharing Sparky’s story with a wider audience. Supporters have contributed not only financially but also through messages of encouragement, offering solidarity to the family during a difficult time. For many donors, the story resonated because it highlighted how quickly circumstances can spiral and how vulnerable pets can be to human actions.

Before the incident, Sparky was described as an energetic and joyful dog. According to Moreno, he loved car rides, playing fetch, tug-of-war, and running around with his canine companion. His personality and enthusiasm were central to daily life in the household, making the sudden shift to injury and recovery all the more jarring.

While Sparky now faces a future without one of his legs, his owners remain focused on helping him heal and adapt. The road ahead includes surgery, rehabilitation, and adjustments to accommodate his new physical reality. At the same time, the circumstances that led to his injuries remain under scrutiny. PEOPLE reported that they reached out to the Fontana Police Department for comment regarding the package theft, but no immediate response was received.

As Sparky prepares for amputation and recovery, his story stands as a stark example of how unintended consequences can ripple outward from a single act. For Altamirano and Lopez, the priority now is ensuring their dog’s comfort and stability, while navigating the emotional and financial aftermath of a situation that began with a moment of trespass and ended with a life-altering injury.