Cleveland, OH
About a month ago we were contacted by a local animal advocate who had been contacted by Cleveland Police officers asking for help. A few puppies were found running amok in what is essentially a junkyard. It was an extremely hot summer day, the puppies were scared and the owners of the property gave permission for the dogs to be captured and placed “if you can catch them”. Well, they were caught and brought straight to our rescue center for immediate veterinary care at Gateway Animal Clinic.
Zuni and Hopi, two malnourished Mastiff mixes, were both covered in ticks. Dozens were pulled out of their ears and from around their necks. They were scared, tired and grateful for our help. You could see it in their eyes. After having their health assessed we reached out to our foster network and moved the puppies into foster homes. Both of the dogs enjoyed having food to eat, comfort, and other dogs to socialize with. Despite all the dogs had been through in their short time they were both healthy and adoptable. 
We reached out to a few adopters who had gone through our adoption application process and patiently been waiting to be matched up with a dog or puppy. When Carol G. was contacted she didn’t hesitate for a second and made arrangements to meet Zuni (the darker brindle of the pair). Foster mom and former Doberman owner, Dina K., also stepped right up to help the puppies and the next day came to pick up Hopi.
Zuni is now known as Dozer and he’s certainly living the life with his new mom and dad. As you can tell there is no lack of TLC in Dozer’s household.
“We went to the vet today and he is up to 35 pounds and doing well! He is such a joy and we are so happy to share our lives with him!”
~ Carol G. (July 29. 2015)
Hopi, now Buddy, got his name from the kids in the family. Hopi has glued himself to Dina’s daughter and appears to be growing like a worm! Dina did have him DNA tested just to see what breed mixes he is and the results are: Rottweiler, Boxer, Great Dane and Neapolitan Mastiff.
We are so very thankful to the many of you who first read about these puppies on our Facebook page and sprung into action with donations and offers to help the dogs. We are also thankful to their former owner who did the right thing by giving the pups up.
Respect the dog.
