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LAKEWOOD - Just hours before his owner is to appear in court, Bobo, the badly burned Yorkshire terrier, died from his injuries.
Tanya Martin, 38 of Lakewood, owned Bobo. She now faces arson and animal cruelty charges.
The charges stem from Martin's reported actions last Sunday, which have sparked outrage in the community.
Bobo was rescued from Martin's apartment after a neighbor called police, reporting that someone was hurting a dog.
Responding Lakewood Police agents found a fire and Bobo. They believe Martin tried to burn a phone book on the stove and allegedly placed Bobo onto the burning phone book.
The officers extinguished the fire and took the dog outside to get it away from the heat and smoke. Drivers of a West Metro ambulance were asked to take the dog to Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital. They put the dog onto a stretcher in the ambulance and carried it to the hospital.
For the next three days doctors at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital made valiant efforts to save Bobo. They were able to secure a hyperbaric chamber but the treatment was not successful.
Bobo died from his injuries at around 1:30 a.m. Thursday.
Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro of the hospital told 9NEWS Thursday morning that Bobo was not suffering as they had worked hard to manage his pain.
Bobo's story had prompted a strong response from community members. This week, a number of animal lovers showed up at the hospital and the Table Mountain Animal Shelter with donations of money, get well cards and stuffed animals.
One of Bobo's rescuers, Agent Matt Vandiver, had even submitted a foster care application.
Martin will appear in court Thursday morning. She is being held on $10,000 bond. The Associated Press reports that her uncle, Leo Cordova, says she suffers from mental illness.
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