Two Dogs Lose Owner in Hit-and-Run, Family Hopes to Keep Them Together

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Family Searching for a Home for Two Dogs After Their Owner’s Tragic Death

A family in Fort Lauderdale is grieving the loss of a loved one while searching for a new home for his two faithful dogs. Their owner, Joey Henriquez, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run crash, leaving behind not only his devastated family but also two dogs who meant the world to him.

Henriquez, who was described by his family as a kind and loving man, was walking his bicycle across Palm Aire Drive in Pompano Beach when a driver struck him and fled the scene. The collision left him critically injured, and he was rushed to the hospital with severe trauma.

His sister, Michelle Zymet, shared that the family spent several agonizing days by his bedside, praying for a miracle. “We spent about a week in the hospital just hoping and praying that my brother would come out of this,” she said. “Unfortunately, he was pronounced brain dead, but by the grace of God, he was able to donate his organs to save other lives, which I think is an amazing tribute to him.”

Now, the family faces another emotional challenge, finding a forever home for Joey’s beloved dogs, Bella and Ally. The two have been inseparable since puppyhood and share a deep, unbreakable bond. Bella, an eight-year-old American bulldog-boxer mix, and Ally, a 13-year-old shepherd-labrador mix, were the center of Joey’s life and his constant companions.

Zymet described the dogs as affectionate, loyal, and wonderful with children. “They are loving, they’re so affectionate, they love kids, and they just love being with each other,” she said. “They had an amazing time with my brother, and now they’re missing their dad.”

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Their mother, Linda Cuevas, spoke lovingly about how much the dogs meant to her son. “When my son and I would go to the dog park in Victoria Park and let them loose, Ally would get so excited,” she recalled. “Those dogs brought Joey so much happiness.”

Sadly, after Joey’s death, Cuevas was evicted from her apartment and is recovering from hip surgery, leaving her unable to provide the care the dogs need. Currently, Bella and Ally are being looked after at Hounds Town in Broward County, where the facility’s owner, Toni Jade, has generously covered their medical care and vaccinations. “They’ve got a nice big room there we open up for them,” Jade said. However, this arrangement is only temporary, and both the family and staff hope to find a loving home where the two dogs can stay together.

“I would really appreciate if somebody could just give them a good home and give them the love and attention they deserve,” Cuevas said.

Anyone interested in adopting Bella and Ally can reach out to Michelle Zymet at michellezymet@gmail.com or call 786-295-4819. The family has also provided additional information and ways to help through Local 10’s website.

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