Woman Speaks Out After Dog Is Killed In DUI Crash

A Santa Barbara woman is speaking out after losing her beloved dog in a DUI crash.

On Christmas Day, Maryanne Mendoza was driving with her dog Gizmo on Cliff Drive when a suspected drunk driver plowed into her.

Mendoza was injured but pleaded with firefighters to help her 10-year-old Yorkshire Terrier.

“He was already gone at that point. But I just still begged them to help my dog and they did. Before they put the thing on my neck, I turned and I could see them trying to resuscitate him,” Mendoza said.

59-year-old Mildred Ravencroft was arrested and charged with felony DUI. Police say her blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit.

“It’s just been a terrible terrible loss. Gizmo was like my family. Everything I did was for Gizmo,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said she will continue to volunteer with the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter to help shelter dogs in honor of Gizmo who was also a shelter dog.

She is contemplating getting another shelter dog again when the time is right.