Hope the Dog – One Year Later 06-21-2013

          JUNE 21, 2013.

PRESS RELEASE

It’s been nearly one year since Parker County Sheriff’s Animal Control officers rescued Hope and the community united for man’s best friend in need. The female pug-mix breed dog was found tortured, severely injured and dehydrated on a scorching hot Texas day in the 6900 block of Baker Road. Hope’s mouth had been taped shut with her tongue protruding. She had been stabbed multiple times.

July 9, marks the one year anniversary she was discovered, and immediately began her rigorous road back to health requiring excruciating therapy, surgery, more than 100 stitches. Next month, Hope celebrates the first anniversary of the adoption into her new family with Charlie and Kit Moncrief.

One year ago, the public overwhelmingly responded in record numbers and paid for Hope’s surgery and therapy, completely covering the costs of Hope’s medical treatment.

The remaining donated funds were placed in a reward fund established for Hope. The fund has remained untouched in the past year. It still promises a guaranteed $10,000 to the anonymous tipster who identifies Hope’s tormentors to law enforcement authorities. An additional $25,000 has also been anonymously donated for any tip leading to the arrest, indictment and conviction of the suspects responsible for Hope’s torture.

ParkerCounty Sheriff Larry Fowler said Hope’s injuries were deliberately and maliciously inflicted.

“Hope is truly an amazing dog,” said Sheriff Fowler. “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. We are continuing our investigative efforts in identifying the suspect(s) involved so no other animal has to endure what she suffered.”

The Sheriff’s Office received about 400 calls per day of individuals requesting to adopt Hope after her story went viral. ParkerCounty Sheriff’s employees received comments, prayers and donations regarding Hope from around the United States, Canada and as far away as New Zealand.

Sheriff Fowler is once again encouraging the public to come forward.

“Someone, somewhere knows what happened to Hope and who is responsible,” Fowler said. “We urge them to come forward – for the sake of justice for Hope and other potential Hope’s still out there.”

You may remain anonymous when calling the Parker County Crime Stoppers Hotline at (817) 599-5555.

Hope has made a miraculous complete recovery over the last year. Her treatment, although lengthy and strenuous, did not affect her kind nature. Kit Moncrief said Hope adjusted quickly to her new family and home, where she is pampered and will always know love.

Kit, a life-time animal lover who has rescued numerous pets, said Hope inspired her and a local group of women to establish the Saving Hope Foundation.

The Foundation is focused on animal abuse, animal neglect and overpopulation. It is determined to put an emphasis on education, especially about spaying, neutering and vaccinations. Saving Hope also wants to help those who struggle to keep their pets because of economic hardships. The Saving Hope Foundation will celebrate Hope’s one-year adoption anniversary by hosting “The Day of Hope” – an animal adoption and awareness fair.

The event will be held at the NationalCowgirlMuseum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth Saturday, June 29.

The fair will host local rescue groups, food trucks, and will offer vaccination services (first 100 free) and will be held for the general public from 8 a.m. until noon.

The event will be highlighted by the dedication of Fort Worth’s’ first mobile spay and neuter clinic, which is named in Hope’s honor. The free services performed by the mobile unit are funded by The Saving Hope Foundation. 
Mayor Betsy Price of Fort Worth, Representative Roger Williams and members of the Saving Hope Board will all take part in the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony.
The June 29^th event is just the beginning of the Foundation’s projects. Other organizations and local groups have joined Kit to assist and orchestrate adoption programs, projects to educate and reduce neglect and abuse with continued support for local shelters and groups.

“There’s a reason her name is Hope,” Sheriff Fowler said. “After all she’s been through and conquered; she is now giving ‘Hope’ to other needy animals all over the state. We are very proud and excited to see it named in Hope’s honor.”

For more information about the upcoming event or the Saving Hope Foundation, log onto www.saving-hope.com

Please direct all media inquiries about the event to Drew Myers at (817) 909-9256.