A Rottweiler is in need of a home after surviving a horrific incident that saw his owner stabbed to death and his brother shot.

Zeus is a Rottweiler who lived with his owner Thomas Verdi in Cape Coral. On December 17, Thomas was killed by his teenage son. The boy had been exhibiting bizarre behavior a few weeks before the crime.

Zeus' brother was shot by police officers responding to the emergency, after the dog refused to let the officers into the home. The dog later died from his injuries.

Zeus was taken to Lee County Animal Services. When the dog's veterinarian, Dr. Cynthia Young, heard the shocking news she knew she wanted to help the 7-year-old dog.

"He needs a good home," Dr. Young, owner of Cape Veterinary Practice, said of Zeus. "He's been through a lot."

She told Fox4 News that he and his brother were extremely close. "They just shared a brain," Dr. Young said, of Zeus and his brother. "Two big dogs, one brain."

She said that Mr. Verdi took good care of the dogs and "loved them like his kids". The dogs regularly boarded with her over the past two years. "For him to be by himself now, it's really sad," she said, of Zeus. "Especially for him losing his owner and brother."

When she learned that no one stepped forward to claim Zeus from Lee County after the mandatory hold time, she went and got him.

Dr. Young is now looking for a permanent home for the gentle dog. "He's a big baby and he just needs lots of love," said Dr. Young. Zeus will be ready to go home after he is neutered next week.

If you're interested in adopting Zeus, contact Cape Veterinary Practice at 239-574-8028. They are located at 1031 Northeast Pine Island Rd. in Cape Coral, Florida.

• Rottweiler
• Cape Coral
• Florida
• adoption