BOCA RATON, Fla. – Just a month ago, Sweet Potato, a frail and severely malnourished French bulldog mix, was found abandoned in a Broward County park.
Her rescuers once doubted she would survive, but Local 10 News has learned that she is now thriving in the care of a loving South Florida family.
“When we brought her home, she acted like she’s been living here,” said Ruby Estra, who adopted Sweet Potato. “She’s like, ‘oh, OK,’ so she loves it.”
Cellphone video shows Sweet Potato playing with her new “sister,” Zoey, as if they’ve known each other for years.
“I love that she has a great calm personality,” said Ava Estra, Ruby’s daughter. “She loves to hang out with Zoey, and she’s a very sweet dog.”
Sweet Potato’s journey to recovery began at Tri-County Animal Rescue, where staff nursed her back to health after she was found barely able to stand.
“It was sad,” said Amanda Zimmer of Tri-County Animal Rescue. “She couldn’t stand on her own, and when you held her, she just fell into your arms. We knew we had to do everything we could.”
Ruby Estra first learned about Sweet Potato’s story through a Local 10 News report.
“So she shows me the story that you had aired,” Ruby said. “It was so sad, this poor dog. So what do we do after lunch?”
Ruby applied to adopt Sweet Potato, joining 40 other hopeful adopters. Her family was thrilled to be chosen.
“I was told, guess what, there’s another Frenchie that needs a new home, and we’re going to go pick her up,” said Brad Estra, Ruby’s husband.
Since then, Sweet Potato has gained about eight pounds and is steadily improving.
“I was crying to her,” Ruby recalled. “I was crying like, I’m so sorry you went through this. I said from now on, all you’re going to have is good food!”
For the Estras, Sweet Potato is now an irreplaceable part of their family.
“When I realized her backstory, I was so sad for her,” Ava said. “I wanted to give her all the loving that I can because she didn’t deserve that. She really didn’t. She was such a brave girl. I’m so happy that we actually got to adopt her.”
Sweet Potato’s days of struggle are now a distant memory as she enjoys a life filled with love, comfort, and plenty of toys.
Tri-County Animal Rescue offers low-cost veterinary services and a food pantry for pet owners needing assistance.
To read more of Local 10′s Animal Advocate stories, click here.
