A Van Nuys family is searching for answers after their support dog was taken from a Calabasas dog park in the middle of the day, leaving an 11-year-old child without the animal she depends on for emotional support.
The dog, a 3-and-a-half-pound honey-colored Chihuahua named Chiquita, was stolen just before noon on Monday while visiting Calabasas Bark Park. Chiquita had been at the park with a family friend and dog walker, Victor Wallace, who was caring for multiple dogs at the time.
Chiquita has played a vital role in the life of Tiffany Stewartâs daughter, who has special needs and relies on the small dog to help manage anxiety and panic attacks. Stewart and her daughter found Chiquita earlier this year after the puppy had been abandoned alongside her mother, Mamacita. Since then, the two dogs have remained inseparable.
âSheâs my daughterâs special needs dog,â Stewart told Fox 11. âShe helps her with her anxiety and panic attacks.â
According to Wallace, Chiquita slipped through the parkâs gate while he was managing three other dogs. As he looked up, he noticed two men walking down from a nearby hiking trail who appeared to be interacting with the Chihuahua.
âI could see from their body language that theyâre petting the dog, so Iâm like, âHey, wait, can you, like, hold the dog for me?ââ Wallace said. âOne clearly shouted, âOK.ââ
Wallace said that as he ran toward them, the situation quickly changed. The two men allegedly picked up Chiquita, placed her inside a white Mercedes with tinted windows, and drove away.
âI canât even believe that it happened. Nobody ever expects something like that to happen,â Wallace said.
A report has been filed with the Los Angeles County Sheriffâs Department. Stewart and Wallace say investigators have obtained surveillance video and a license plate number connected to the incident, though officials at the Lost Hills Sheriffâs Department have not yet confirmed those details. A department lieutenant said detectives are expected to follow up with FOX 11.
The disappearance has affected more than just Stewartâs daughter. Mamacita, Chiquitaâs mother, has reportedly struggled since being separated from her puppy for the first time.
âSheâs just moping and depressed and sad. She doesnât want to drink or eat,â Stewart said.
Wallace added that Chiquita is a timid dog who startles easily and is likely frightened.
With the holidays approaching, Stewart said the family is focused on one thing above all else.
âJust bring her back â thatâs my daughterâs support animal â she needs her,â Stewart said. âWe all miss her.â
Anyone with information about Chiquitaâs whereabouts is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriffâs Department.