'Devastated' NBA Star Dwight Howard Says Dog's Death Is 'Killing Me Inside To Get Answers'

Dwight Howard is seeking justice for the unsolved murder of his beloved pet and longtime friend, Sunday.

The former NBA star got vulnerable with fans about his feelings in an emotional post, revealing he was beside himself with grief and burdened by the lack of answers to his dog's death. His pursuit of justice led him to implore fans to join the hunt for the person responsible.

Dwight Howard's heartbroken reaction to his dog's death comes five years after one of the mothers of his five children died in a tragic incident. The mother of his youngest son, David, took her final breath on March 27, 2020.

Howard bared his soul to fans on Instagram, sharing a carousel of pictures and videos that detailed his treasured memories with his late dog. The former Los Angeles Lakers player's love for Sunday was evident through the snaps, where they shared plenty of hugs, kisses, and selfies.

Although not a poet, Howard captured the flurry of emotions tied to losing a beloved pet. He acknowledged his pain while reflecting on the beautiful memories he shared with Sunday, showing fans how much he loved the dog and how heartbroken he was.

"From the moment I got you, Sunday, you were more than just my dog...You were my peace. My protector. A reminder of everything beautiful and calm, just like those early Sunday mornings," Howard began. "And every time I called your name, you came running full speed like your only mission was to love me."

Howard claimed Sunday gave the best hugs and would wait at the door for him daily so she could wrap her paws around him when he got home. These tender moments were part of the reasons he missed his beloved pet, whom he labeled his "joy," "warmth," and "peace."

"You helped me Smile through all the Storms I've been through, but what do I do now that my Sunday Sunshine is gone? I was having a great time in New York this past week until I got the news that my Sunday got loose and was hit by a car that kept going," Howard lamented, adding:

"I'm devastated because you were the dog that never left my side, the dog that stuck to my hip at all times, and the one time you wander off without me being there, someone takes you away from me. Who could be so heartless to do this to such an innocent girl with no remorse?"

Howard's poignant message continued, "I've been trying to hold this in... I really have, but it's killing me inside to get answers! I need answers, and I won't stop searching until I find out what happened to my beautiful Sunday."

He implored fans to help, asking anyone with information about a Belgian Malinois that was hit by a car on June 18, 2025, in Suwanee, Georgia, to contact him.

Although people did not have details about Sunday's death, they flooded the comments with condolences. "So sorry to hear about Sunday, brother - hopes and prayers for her beautiful soul," someone penned. Another echoed similar sentiments, writing:

"You are one of my favorite players in the league, Dwight. I'm so very sorry about Sunday, your dear and loving companion."

Others hoped the person responsible would be caught as soon as possible.

Howard's beloved pet was killed five years after he dealt with the loss of one of his five baby mamas. The Blast covered the story, reporting that the mother of the former athlete's youngest son, Melissa Rios, had died on March 27, 2020, at 31.

Initial reports claimed she died from an epileptic seizure, but her mother, Edelmira Vega Rios, shared a different story in 2022. She sued a Calabasas apartment rental company on behalf of herself and her young grandson, blaming them for her daughter's death.

The grieving mother filed a wrongful death claim against the company, alleging her daughter would not have died if she hadn't slipped on water from a broken toilet.

The suit stressed that the company should be held accountable for failing to give notice of the "dangerous conditions" linked to their plumbing issues.

Besides losing the mother of his youngest son, Howard battled for custody with his late baby mama's mother and faced similar issues with his former partner, Tiffany Render. The Blast shared that she scrutinized his parenting, claiming he was an absent father.

These issues in his private life might be one of the reasons Howard has been unable to return to the NBA despite his willingness.

Last month, he told reporters he was "always ready, but there's more to life than basketball." He added that his former team, the Lakers, were also uninterested, saying, "Lakers not calling me, brother."

While a reunion with the Lakers might not happen soon, Howard publicly declared his willingness to fix his relationship with NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal. He invited the former athlete to his podcast, telling him it was high time they settled their differences over "petty stuff."

Here's to hoping Dwight Howard gets the justice he seeks.