Brotherly Bond Saves Injured Dog, Now They Need a Home Together
Last year, Zorro and Grover were found on the side of a highway in Florida. Zorro had been hit by a car, leaving three of his four legs broken. Grover stood protectively over his injured brother, and that’s how rescuers found them. The pair were brought to the Miami Dade shelter where Zorro was slated for euthanasia.
Leslie Fernandez, with Interstate Partners for Animal Welfare, was one of the rescuers involved. She pulled Zorro from the shelter and helped get Zorro the medical attention he desperately needed from Dr. David Wise. Despite his injuries, Zorro wagged his tail and was full of life, impressing Dr. Wise, who had never seen a dog with only one working leg remain so happy. He knew he had to give Zorro a second chance.
Meanwhile, Grover had somehow gotten lost in the mix and was separated from his brother. Leslie managed to locate Grover and reunite him with Zorro five days later. Even though Zorro couldn’t walk, he was so excited to see his brother that he crawled over to greet him.
Zorro underwent six surgeries and a long recovery process, but it was successful. Today, he can stand and walk again—a miracle considering his condition. Seeing Zorro on his feet brought tears to Dr. Wise’s eyes.
Flash forward a year, and Zorro and Grover have spent the past 12 months living in kennels at the veterinary clinic. While the staff has provided exceptional care, a clinic is no place for dogs to live long-term. Their prolonged stay has begun to take a toll on the pair.
Leslie recently renewed her efforts to find Zorro and Grover a home. Unfortunately, 2024 has been a challenging year: an adopter backed out last minute, and two rescues fell through.
Leslie posted on Facebook: “From Jan 2024 to June 2024 they had a home lined up. As we were planning transport, the adopter got a job in Manhattan and backed out. We were devastated. In Aug, two rescues said they would take them in. One in Maine. One in FL. They have both backed out. We can’t bear to have them in a vet clinic any longer. Although, the vet office has been amazing, it is no place for dogs to be for a WHOLE YEAR.”
After a news story from Local 10 News, Leslie said they have some leads and “pray they are in their forever home soon. It has been quite a journey but finding their home will make it all worth it.”
Leslie refuses to separate the two, believing they deserve to stay together after all they’ve been through. She has also offered to sponsor training and provide support to whoever adopts them. If you think you can help give the dogs a home, reach out to Interstate Partners for Animal Welfare.
