Former wrestler and actor in the hit Marvel franchise Guardians of the Galaxy Dave Bautista celebrated the addition of a three-month-old rescue dog named Sage to his family. Bautista adopted the pup from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, a non-profit based in Tampa, Florida. He also offered $5,000 for information about the person who harmed the dog before the shelter took her in.
Last September, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay posted on Facebook that a Good Samaritan was driving home when he saw Sage eating trash at The Home Cemetery (also known as Oakland Cemetary). He also noticed a metal chain deeply embedded into her neck. He stopped, ran up to the dog, and immediately brought her to the shelter.
According to the HSTB, Sage remained under their care and has recovered well after the surgery. When the pup was back in good health, she was put up for adoption and received inquiries from many interested families.
After hearing about Sage’s story, Bautista announced on Instagram that in exchange for information about the person responsible for Sage’s injuries, he would give a $5,000 cash reward. He said there is nothing more innocent than a puppy and that anyone who abuses one must be pure evil and makes him sick to his stomach.
Soon after, Bautista shared an update introducing Sage, whom he renamed Penny, as the newest member of his family. The actor said that Penny is now a Bautista and will never experience abuse again. He added that he was simply grateful to everyone who offered help and showed kindness to the pup.
The HSTB extended their thanks to Bautista for providing Penny a forever home. It is heartwarming how Sage was saved from eating garbage at the cemetery while severely injured and has started a new life with her new family.
Credit: Dave Bautista via Instagram
