CHELSEA — Two rescue dogs are available for adoption after their owners decided to relocate following a suspected drive-by shooting that injured the couple in their Montgomery home on July 1. The dogs, Rio and Pearl, survived the incident and now live in the Chelsea area while advocates search for a permanent placement.
Background and current status
According to local animal advocate and attorney Kendall Cash, the couple — newlyweds who had lived with Rio and Pearl for more than a year — were assembling furniture when bullets pierced the walls of their residence. The husband and wife were struck, one in the arm and the other in the leg. There is no public information about a suspect or motive, Montgomery police told WSFA.
Because the wife is a U.K. national and British import rules restrict certain breeds, the couple decided to return to the United Kingdom and could not take the dogs with them. All adoption fees for both animals have been sponsored; they will be free to an approved adopter who can take them together.
About Rio and Pearl
Both dogs came to the couple from local shelters after spending time in rescue care. Shelter and advocate records list their health and behavior details as follows:
- Pearl: Female, about 2 years, 11 months; English Pointer and pit bull mix; weighs roughly 53 pounds; spayed; good with dogs and cats; described as a "velcro dog" who prefers being close to people.
- Rio: Male, about 1 year, 6 months; Labrabull mix; weighs roughly 39 pounds; neutered; enjoys car rides, swimming and hikes; knows basic commands including sit, shake and down.
| Dog | Age | Weight | Temperament/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl | 2y 11m | 53 lb | Dog- and cat-friendly; spayed; very attached to people |
| Rio | 1y 6m | 39 lb | Neutered; enjoys outdoors; house and crate trained |
Both animals are microchipped, heartworm-negative, up to date on vaccinations, house trained and crate trained, and reportedly good with children and strangers. They walk well on a harness and leash and travel well in cars.
How to apply or meet Rio and Pearl
Interested adopters or foster volunteers should contact All The Dogs shelter. Adoption and foster applications are available on the All The Dogs website. Because the two are being placed together, applicants should be prepared to take both dogs at once.
"There are no villains in this situation apart from those who opened fire into a home where a couple and their two dogs should have felt safe," Cash wrote. "What the situation needs now is a hero — some..."
The shooting remains under investigation by Montgomery police. In the meantime, local rescue groups and advocates are focused on finding a safe, stable home where Rio and Pearl can settle with people who will keep them together.
If you can help or want more information, reach out to All The Dogs through their website to view the application and arrange a meeting.
