Losing a pet is always devastating. It doesn’t matter if age has taken a toll on your 15-year-old dog or the veterinarian recently discovered that your two-year-old cat has cancer. Finding out that you’re going to lose your loyal, affectionate companion is always hard. But finding out that someone hit your beloved animal companion with a car and abandoned them is one of the most challenging kinds of loss to accept.
On June 25, “Dancing With the Stars” alum Dwight Howard wrote a heartfelt Instagram post to his dog, Sunday, after she died in a hit-and-run. The former NBA champion also reached out to his 3.7 million Instagram followers for help.
NBA Champion Rips ‘Heartless’ Hit-and-Run Driver for Not Stopping
From the moment I got you, Sunday, you were more than just my dog…
You were my peace.
My protector.
A reminder of everything beautiful and calm just like those early Sunday mornings.
You hugged like no other
Barked at nothing like it meant everything.
And every time I called your name, you came running full speed like your only mission was to love me.
You waited at the door for me every single day, just to wrap your paws around me.
And I’m gonna miss those hugs more than I can put into words.”
You were joy. You were warmth. You were my girl.
And your life was cut short too soon
You helped me Smile through all the Storms I’ve been through but what do I do now that my Sunday Sunshine is gone I was having a great time in New York this past week until I got the news that my Sunday got loose and was hit by a car that kept going.
I’m devastated because you were the dog that never left my side, the dog that stuck to my hip at all times, and the one time you wander off without me being there someone takes you away from me
Who could be so heartless to do this to such an innocent girl with no remorse
I’ve been trying to hold this in… I really have but it’s killing me inside to get answers! I need answers and I won’t stop searching until I find out what happen to my beautiful Sunday
Rest in love, Sunday.
You’ll always be my baby.
I’ll carry your heart with mine forever.
‘DWTS’ Pro Reacts to Dwight Howard’s Post
Dwight Howard finished his tribute with a call to action from his followers.
“Please if anyone has any information regarding a Belgian Malinois that was hit by a car on June 18th, 2025 in Suwanee Georgia please let me know,” he wrote.
Many people expressed outrage at what happened to Sunday and sent Howard their love and sympathy. His former dancing partner, Daniella Karagach, commented, “I’m so sorry D,” with a heart emoji.
Howard and his wife, Amy Luciani, have several dogs, with Angel being the newest addition to the family. After bringing Angel home in December 2024, they created an Instagram page called The Dawgs of DNA to showcase the three Belgian Malinois and one Golden Doodle. One of the last photos featured Sunday, as Howard joked that Angel wanted to be the star.
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DWTS Alum Reaches Out to Followers for Help After Beloved Dog is Hit by Car