My name is Jim Acosta, and I am Hector Mendez's uncle. Hector is 14 years old. Today, Hector called me in tears to say that his dog was hit by a car and killed instantly. Hector was playing with his dog in front of the house when the dog saw a cat running and chased after it. Unfortunately, a fast-moving car struck the dog; the driver said he didn't see it.

The dog was very special to Hector. His parents have been moving, and the kids have had a hard time adjusting to their new schools. Some kids can be mean, so his dog was a great friend to him and his sister, helping them cope with difficult days.