PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Millions were touched by the image of Grover protecting his brother Zorro after a driver struck him on Interstate 95 he broke three legs.
Leslie Fernandez, of Interstate Partners for Animal Welfare, said Zorro had to learn to walk again. Her rescue paid for boarding to keep the brothers together.
“It was truly a miracle upon a miracle, so Zorro and Grover being saved off I-95 was a miracle. Zorro walking was another miracle, and then finding this home and all of these wonderful people to help me get them there was amazing,” Fernandez said.
Monica and George, a couple from Maine, adopted the brothers after about a year. The story moved them. There was a 32-hour transport.
“My husband and I couldn’t be happier to have adopted Zorro and Grover. They are the perfect puppies and they need a little bit of training but they are such angels and we are so happy we could give them a new life,” Monica said.
The story of Daisy also raised awareness. The chihuahua died after undergoing anesthesia for teeth cleaning.
After learning about what happened, VIP Pet Smile offered free non-anesthetic dental cleanings for Daisy’s sisters, Rosie and Abby.
Rafael Mattos, of VIP Pet Smile, said that as a dentist for humans in Brazil he was interested in periodontal disease and dog psychology. He uses his left hand to give “the children” love and his right hand to polish.
“That’s what a lot of us think: they have to be under to clean properly. No, no, no, this is not true,” Mattos said. “Of course, there are a lot of companies doing this job but their background is not dental. That’s the problem.”
Patti Ward and George Kirkman were grateful.
“It was fascinating! I can’t believe they were able to take Rosie and Abby and clean their teeth without anesthesia, it was overwhelmingly wonderful ... We miss Daisy every day, but it’s nice to know there are great people in the world who care too.”
