Bonded Dogs Lose Owner in Tragic Hit-and-Run Accident
A heartbreaking tragedy in Fort Lauderdale has left two cherished dogs, Bella and Ally, without their beloved owner. Joey Henriquez, a compassionate and devoted dog lover, was struck and fatally injured in a hit-and-run accident while walking his bicycle across Palm Aire Drive in Pompano Beach. His sudden loss shattered his family, who are now doing everything they can to secure a loving and permanent home for his two loyal companions.
After Joey was rushed to the hospital with severe trauma, his family clung to hope for his recovery. His sister, Michelle Zymet, recalled spending agonizing days praying at his bedside. “We spent about a week in the hospital just hoping and praying that my brother would come out of this,” she said. Despite their hopes, Joey was declared brain dead. However, in his final act of generosity, he donated his organs to save others—an act his family considers a tribute to his selfless nature.
Left behind in the wake of Joey’s passing are Bella, an eight-year-old American bulldog-boxer mix, and Ally, a 13-year-old shepherd-labrador mix. These sweet, affectionate dogs were the center of Joey’s world and have remained inseparable through the years.
According to Zymet, the dogs are more than pets—they are loyal family members. “They are loving, they’re so affectionate, they love kids, and they just love being with each other,” she said. The grief of losing their owner is evident in their demeanor as they adjust to life without him.
Their grandmother, Linda Cuevas, fondly remembered moments at the Victoria Park dog park. “When my son and I would go to the dog park and let them loose, Ally would get so excited,” she shared. “Those dogs brought Joey so much happiness.”
Unfortunately, Cuevas can no longer care for the dogs herself due to her own health challenges and recent eviction. Bella and Ally are currently being housed at Hounds Town in Broward County, where the facility’s owner, Toni Jade, has generously supported their care. From medical attention to vaccinations, Jade and her team have spared no effort to ensure the dogs’ well-being. But this is only a temporary solution.
What the family and supporters hope for now is a permanent, loving home for the two dogs—a home that will keep them together and honor the deep bond they share following the loss of their human.
Cuevas expressed her heartfelt plea: “I would really appreciate if somebody could just give them a good home and give them the love and attention they deserve.”
- Breed: Bella (American Bulldog-Boxer mix), Ally (Shepherd-Lab mix)
- Ages: Bella — 8 years old, Ally — 13 years old
- Temperament: Affectionate, good with children, well-behaved, and bonded
- Current Location: Hounds Town, Broward County
Anyone interested in providing a forever home to Bella and Ally may contact Michelle Zymet by email at michellezymet@gmail.com or by phone at 786-295-4819.
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