In a heartbreaking moment caught on camera, a beloved French bulldog named Domino was stolen right out of his family’s yard in North Hollywood, California. The theft happened on Tuesday evening, December 10, and has left the family devastated, especially since Domino is not just any dog—he’s been a cherished part of their lives for 12 years.
Jason Bitonio, Domino’s owner, discovered the shocking crime while checking footage from his Ring camera. At first, he thought Domino might have wandered off. “I assumed the gate had somehow been left open,” Jason told a local news station. But what he saw instead was chilling: a masked woman sneaking into the yard, scooping up Domino, and walking away like it was nothing.
The surveillance video shows the thief wearing a gray hoodie, a black baseball cap, and a mask. She calmly entered the yard, picked up Domino, and disappeared into the night. The footage not only captured the crime but also left Jason struggling to explain the situation to his 5-year-old son.
Breaking the news to his son was one of the hardest moments, Jason said. “I told him, ‘Domino’s gone. Some bad people came and took him. We might not see him again.’” His son, who has grown up with Domino, was in tears, asking, “What do you mean he’s gone? What do you mean he’s not coming back?”
Domino isn’t just a pet—he’s family. Jason shared that they’ve had him since he was just a tiny puppy, only eight weeks old. Now, at 12 years old, Domino needs special medication to stay healthy, making his disappearance even more worrisome. “It’s the holidays,” Jason said, his voice cracking. “This could’ve been Domino’s last Christmas.”
Adding to the suspicion, Jason recalled seeing a woman lurking near his property about 20 minutes before Domino was taken. He believes she may have been scouting the area. Domino’s distinct look might have caught her attention—he’s an all-white Frenchie with a black patch over one eye, black ears, and a teardrop-shaped mark on his side.
French bulldogs are currently the most popular dog breed in America, known for their adorable faces and playful personalities. Unfortunately, that popularity has made them a frequent target for theft, as they can fetch high prices. Frenchie puppies often sell for thousands of dollars, a sad reality that has put many at risk.
Despite everything, Jason hasn’t given up hope. He’s determined to bring Domino home and prevent other families from going through this pain. “I just want to find Domino,” he said. “And I don’t want this to happen to anyone else.”
If anyone sees a French bulldog matching Domino’s description, the family is urging them to come forward. They just want their sweet dog back, safe and sound, to spend whatever time he has left surrounded by the family who loves him.
