ALHAMBRA : Police Probing Deaths of Blind Woman’s Dogs

Alhambra police are investigating the recent deaths of two dogs--one of them a highly trained guide dog--and awaiting results of toxicology tests before seeking suspects on felony cruelty to animal charges, officers said Thursday.

Heidi, the guide dog, and Raquel, another German shepherd, were the third and fourth of Audrey Moore’s dogs that have died after suffering unexplained seizures, Moore said. A veterinarian told her both dogs had ingested strychnine, she said. Moore, who has partial vision in one eye, believes all four dogs were poisoned, but declined to reveal her theories about motives.

The Alhambra Police Officers Assn. has started a fund to raise money for a donation to Sylmar-based Guide Dogs of America, which has offered to help Moore. The organization provides free guide dogs but relies on donations, a spokeswoman said. The Humane Society has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. The Alhambra Police Officers Assn. has offered a $500 reward. “It shocks us,” said Officer George Flannagan, vice president of the association. “Why would someone take their frustrations out on an innocent animal.”

Moore, an unemployed secretary, said she also will offer a reward, even if it means giving up her house and belongings.