Loyal Dog Refuses to Leave Injured Pup on Busy Highway — Then Rescuers Learn Their True Bond

Last year, Zorro and Grover were found on the side of a highway in Florida. Zorro had been hit by a car, leaving three of his four legs broken. Grover stood protectively over his injured brother – or so they thought at the time – and that’s how rescuers found them. The two dogs’ journey from abandoned and facing death to a new home would be filled with many trials, setbacks, and surprises.

The two dogs were brought to the Miami Dade shelter where Zorro was soon slated for euthanasia.

Leslie Fernandez, with Interstate Partners for Animal Welfare (IPAW), was one of the rescuers involved with helping rescue the dogs. She pulled Zorro from the shelter and helped get Zorro the medical attention he desperately needed from Dr. David Wise. Despite his injuries, Zorro wagged his tail and was full of life, impressing Dr. Wise, who had never seen a dog with only one working leg remain so happy. He knew he had to give Zorro a second chance.

Meanwhile, Grover had somehow gotten lost in the mix and was separated from his brother. Leslie managed to locate Grover and reunite him with Zorro five days later. Even though Zorro couldn’t walk, he was so excited to see his brother that he crawled over to greet him.

Zorro underwent six surgeries and a long recovery process, but it was successful. Today, he can stand and walk again—a miracle considering his condition. Seeing Zorro on his feet brought tears to Dr. Wise’s eyes.

Flash forward a year, and Zorro and Grover have spent the past 12 months living in kennels at the veterinary clinic. While the staff has provided exceptional care, a clinic is no place for dogs to live long-term. Their prolonged stay has begun to take a toll on the pair.

Leslie recently renewed her efforts to find Zorro and Grover a home. Unfortunately, 2024 has been a challenging year: an adopter backed out last minute, and two rescues fell through.

Leslie posted on Facebook: “From Jan 2024 to June 2024 they had a home lined up. As we were planning transport, the adopter got a job in Manhattan and backed out. We were devastated. In Aug, two rescues said they would take them in. One in Maine. One in FL. They have both backed out. We can’t bear to have them in a vet clinic any longer. Although, the vet office has been amazing, it is no place for dogs to be for a WHOLE YEAR.”

After a news story from Local 10 News, Leslie said they have some leads and “pray they are in their forever home soon. It has been quite a journey but finding their home will make it all worth it.”

Leslie refuses to separate the two, believing they deserve to stay together after all they’ve been through. She has also offered to sponsor training and provide support to whoever adopts them. It wouldn’t take long for her prayers to be answered.

Pupdate: April 2025

Zorro and Grover have been adopted and found a home together in Maine and travelled there safely from Miami. Interstate Partners for Animal Welfare shared a wonderful update a month later. “They have been in their new home for a month! Adjusting and getting some training… but mostly loving their parents and their freedom!”

They were also surprised and excited to learn something incredible about the two dogs. They revealed, “Grover and Zorro’s parents have sent us their DNA results. The boys are 100% American Bully. AND….. It turns out Grover is Zorro’s father! We now understand why he wouldn’t leave him on I95 and why he has always been so patient with Zorro. He tolerates a lot from Zorro because he is such a GOOD dad. We are so happy we kept them together. Now their story and relationship makes so much more sense! Poor Grover couldn’t tell us, but we understood somehow that there was a bond we couldn’t break!! This sweet duo is doing so well and again we want to thank everyone who helped us!!! This story just keeps getting better.”

And in yet another twist to the story, a few months after the rescue learned that Grover and Zorro are father and son, they learned Grover does have a brother who was rescued from a shelter too! They wrote, “After the DNA tests showed Zorro and Grover were father and son, we got even more surprising news! The tests led their parents to Grover’s brother!! I think we see the resemblance!! IPAW rescued the boys in January 2024. His brother was adopted in January 2025 from MDAS! We were so happy to “meet” our beloved Grover’s brother and know he is in the best hands!!!”