BURLINGTON — The loss of the Christmas gifts was one thing, but the Spitzer family was most upset at the theft of “Killer,” their 6-pound Chihuahua.
The Oak Harbor family’s beloved pet and their presents were stolen Friday night from their SUV, which was in the Fred Meyer parking lot while Tabetha Spitzer shopped inside the store.

The 2-year-old “Killer” is 3-year-old Jesse Spitzer’s dog and best friend, said Spitzer, the boy’s mother. Jesse’s maternal grandparents gave him Killer as a birthday present this past October.

“I personally feel like someone took our child,” Spitzer said. “He’s part of us. I’m broken-hearted.”

Spitzer said that this would have been Jesse’s first Christmas in two years that his father, David Spitzer, a Navy sailor, wouldn’t be deployed overseas. But the loss of his dog has overshadowed what should be a joyous time, she said.

At the time Killer was taken, Jesse was on a trip to Disneyland with his grandparents, and he returned Monday night. His grandparents’ broke the news while he was on the trip, Spitzer said.

“He called me last night and told me, ‘Mommy I don’t want any Christmas presents. I just want my doggy,’” Spitzer said.

The dog was taken between 7:30 and 8:10 p.m. Friday night from the family’s Chevrolet Suburban, which was parked at the Fred Meyer on Burlington Boulevard. Police said that about $500 in merchandise also was stolen. The thief or thieves also took the SUV’s stereo plate and Spitzer’s husband’s Carhartt jacket.

When Spitzer returned to the SUV after shopping and she didn’t see Killer, she knew something was wrong.

“My heart dropped and my stomach started twisting,” she said. “I walked around the entire parking lot of Fred Meyer and there was no sign of him anywhere.”

Killer is tan with black markings. He has been neutered and has a microchip. Although he barks at first, he’s friendly and comes when his name is called, Spitzer said.

The means by which the thief or thieves gained entry to the SUV wasn’t available as of Monday.

Police ask anyone with information about Killer’s location or about the vehicle break-in to call 911.