Dogtime.com first told you about Hope in July 2012, just days after the Pug mix was found wandering in Weatherford, Texas, her mouth cruelly bound shut with electrical tape. Hope’s face was swollen, and her distended tongue hung between her teeth.
Hope’s facial injuries were so severe because of the torture she endured that more than 100 internal and external were needed to suture the wounds. Because of the extent of the damage to Hope’s tongue and mouth, veterinarians were concerned Hope might never be able to eat on her own again.
But within days of Hope’s miraculous rescue, her condition began to improve — as did her chances of finding a forever family. Calls poured in at the Parker County Sheriff’s Office from as far away as New Zealand with people wanting to adopt the young dog.
Ultimately, Hope went home with Kit and Charlie Moncrief, and the Pug mix who had been through so much in her young life finally found the place where she belongs. Kit Moncrief tells the Weatherford Democrat that Hope’s ordeal definitely didn’t crush the gentle dog’s spirits.
Determined to honor Hope’s courage and do her part to save other animals in need, Moncrief started the Saving Hope Foundation, an organization that promotes adoptions and spay/neuter programs as a way to tackle the pet overpopulation problem. The foundation also hopes to put an end to pet abuse and neglect by educating the public about animal welfare.
To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Hope’s adoption, Moncrief and the Saving Hope Foundation will be hosting an animal adoption and welfare awareness fair on June 29 at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas. They are calling the special event “The Day of Hope”.
In addition to food trucks, fun vendors and animal rescue groups, “The Day of Hope” will also host the Mayor of Fort Worth, Mayor Betsy Price, who will cut the ribbon at the dedication of a new mobile spay/neuter clinic named after — who else? — Hope.
Almost a year since she was rescued, Hope continues to inspire those around her, including the very authorities who still search for clues to who tortured the sweet dog.
“Hope is truly an amazing dog,” Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler said in a statement. “Her story touched lives all over the globe. She overcame a horrific ordeal and proved she was stronger than her abusers by surviving a tremendous amount of torture.”
Even after all this time since Hope’s rescue and adoption, Sheriff Fowler is determined to bring Hope’s abuser to justice.
“We are continuing our investigative efforts in identifying the suspect(s) involved so no other animal has to endure what she suffered,” the Sheriff stated.
Shortly after Hope was found and her story showed up in international headlines, the reward fund for anyone offering information leading to the arrest of Hope’s abuser ballooned to $35,000 thanks to donations from dog lovers around the globe. That $35,000 is still available, Sheriff Fowler says, waiting to be claimed.
“Someone, somewhere knows what happened to Hope and who is responsible,” Sheriff Fowler insisted. “We urge them to come forward — for the sake of justice for Hope and other potential Hopes still out there.”
Anyone with information about Hope’s abuser is asked to contact the Parker County Crime Stoppers hotline at (817) 599-5555. Callers may remain anonymous if they so choose.
For more information about the Saving Hope Foundation or updates on the organization’s namesake, check out the Saving Hope Facebook page.
