About a week after offering a $5,000 reward for info leading to the arrest of the “sick piece of shit” who abused a local puppy, former WWE star, and “Guardians of The Galaxy” actor Dave Bautista has now adopted the 3-month-old pup.
“Dave saw Sage's story and knew that she belonged with him!” said the Humane Society of Tampa Bay on its Facebook page Thursday evening. “We are so excited for Sage! She went from eating trash in a cemetery with a chain embedded around her neck to starting an AMAZING new life with Dave and 2 new Pitty siblings!"
Last week, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay shared Instagram images (WARNING: NSFL) of the alleged abuse, and stated that “Penny” was found with a metal chain embedded into her neck and chin. “A Good Samaritan was driving on the way home, and saw Sage eating garbage at 'The Home Cemetery,'" read the post. “She stopped and Sage immediately ran up to her. She put Sage in the car and rushed over to HSTB.”
According to HSTB, Bautista has now changed the dog’s name to “Penny.”
The actor, also known as “Drax The Destroyer,” is no stranger to dog rescues. Back in 2019, Bautista also adopted two local pitbulls.
https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietytampa/posts/399033151577461Send anonymous news tips to cltampabay_tips@protonmail.com. Support local journalism in these crazy days. Our small but mighty team works tirelessly to bring you news on how coronavirus is affecting Tampa and surrounding areas. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help support our staff. Every little bit helps.
Subscribe to our newsletter and follow @cl_tampabay on Twitter.
This article appears in Sep 23-29, 2021.