Service Dog Shot In Wheat Ridge Hotel Robbery

WHEAT RIDGE, CO -- Wheat Ridge police are looking for man and woman who broke into a hotel room Nov. 10, pistol-whipped the person inside and then shot a service dog, who was trying to protect her owner. The dog survived, but its leg had to be amputated. Police said the couple stole belongings from the victim around 11:30 p.m. at the American Motel near Interstate 70 and Kipling.

A hotel surveillance video, released by police shows two dogs chasing the alleged robbers the motel hallway into an elevator. One dog, 10-year-old Nalla, is seen limping and holding up her left front leg.

"Nalla was shot while protecting her family," Nalla's owner Deanna Roderick posted on a GofundMe page to help with the service dog's veterinary expenses. "Nalla's family was attacked and robbed by gunpoint when robbers knocked in their hotel room door. Her owner was being pistol whipped in the head when Nalla attacked the gunman and he shot Nalla in the leg." The campaign had raised more than its goal of $4,000 by Friday night.

Nalla's femur was broken in three places, according to Rodrock. Rodrock said she lived on disability and could not afford to pay vet bills. She said the "local Humane Service" threatened to take away the dog. "But with your help Nalla can stay with me and I love her so much!" she wrote.

Wheat Ridge police ask anyone with information on the robbery and shooting, or who recognizes the man and woman in the photographs, to call police at 303-237-2220.

Image of Nalla via Wheat Ridge Police