Glendale woman’s teacup Yorkie missing after burglary

Michelle Reiter lost $4,000 in cash, a 32-inch TV and a laptop computer when her Glendale home was burglarized. But also stolen that day was something far more valuable — her 11-year-old teacup Yorkshire terrier, Sophie.

Since that time, she has been frantically searching for Sophie, not only because the dog is her greatest love, but because Sophie needs periodic medication for her bowels.

Sophie was reported stolen after burglars entered Reiter’s home on May 7 in the 600 block of Beulah Street through a rear bathroom window and ransacked the inside, according to Glendale Police Department reports. The burglary took place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“She is my baby,” said Reiter, who considers the three-pound dog her child because she doesn’t have any kids.

Soon after the burglary, Reiter posted fliers throughout the neighborhood asking for help. She suspects that Sophie is scared and barking due to heightened tension.

Reiter has yet to turn up any leads on her dog’s whereabouts.

“I have no idea who could have done it,” she said.

Glendale Police Sgt. Tom Lorenz said detectives also don’t have any information on the burglars.

Detectives have ruled out any connection to a recent spate of residential burglaries in the area, in which a gang of thieves targeted affluent neighborhoods in Glendale and Los Angeles, Lorenz said. They stole mostly cash, jewelry, electronics and firearms. Dog-napping, Lorenz said, hasn’t been a part of their operation.

Meanwhile, the break-in has forever changed Reiter.

“I have never felt more violated in my life,” she said. “It takes every sense of safety you have.”

Reiter is considering relocating because she said she feels unsafe, while at the same time hoping someone will return Sophie.

The dog, who has a silver, tan and blond coat, was last seen wearing a pink collar with white polka dots. The collar had dog tags with Sophie’s name and Reiter’s contact number.

Anyone with details about Sophie’s whereabouts can call the Glendale Police Department: (818) 548-4840.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com