Mike and Ashley Curtola have had a difficult start to beginning a life together.
The newlyweds’ home was broken into on Monday afternoon and their beloved dog Lola went missing.
“She means everything to us,” said Mike on Tuesday. The three year old miniature pinscher/Jack Russell mix got lost after the break in at their home in the 240 Street and 48 Avenue area.
Emotionally distraught, he's been desperately putting up flyers all over his area and has called in a tracker who uses blood hounds to track scents.
Mike had gone out around 11 a.m. and returned home at 2 p.m. to find his Rhodesian ridgeback, Lincoln, standing across the street and his front door kicked open.
“The first thing I thought was, ‘My god, Lola.’” said Mike. He searched frantically for the dog. Neighbours and friends spent Tuesday night searching for the beloved pet, but sadly on Wednesday morning a woman called the Curtolas to give them the bad news.
“Lola had been hit by a car,” said a very distraught Mike on Wednesday. “So many people tried to help us find Lola. It wasn’t the outcome we wanted but we are so grateful to all of these people. We really wanted to thank them.”
On top of their dog going missing because of the break-in, the thief or thieves also stole irreplaceable wedding jewelry that belonged to Ashley's mother and grandmother.
Their electronics were also stolen and they aren't sure how many wedding pictures they have lost in the process.
“Words can't describe what we are going through right now,” said Mike.
On top of wanting to thank the community for the outpouring of support, the Curtolas also wanted to remind everyone that if you see a dog wandering the streets, stop and see if you can help. “It might be someone’s closest best friend.”