Zaria, a two-year-old Great Dane, was stranded in the middle of Cranberry Lake in County Clare, Michigan, last August. She would have found herself stuck there after running away from home: she would have fallen into the water and swam 20 meters to the island.
County Clare Animal Control began working to get the dog to safety, but Zaria was scared and proved difficult to catch. „She’s in a fight or flight mode right now,“ County Clare Animal Control Officer Dodson told WNEM.
Knowing that the dog’s life was in danger, rescuers kept trying to lure Zaria into a trap with food, but weeks passed without success. Volunteers braved water and mud to help the dog.
Finally, on September 21, their patience paid off as they finally caught the dog.
We didn’t put anything outside the cage. She ate inside the cage for about two and a half days. We set the trap and we caught her,” said Ruanne Hicks, director of Clare County Animal Control.
The dog was apparently „fairly healthy“ but also „emaciated“ from lack of food during the ordeal She was then taken to a canine rehabilitator, who gave Zaria a diet of small meals to help her recover his weight healthily.
The recovery process was expected to take anywhere from three months to a year. The original owners returned Zaria so she could find a more suitable home, and Zaria was to be offered for adoption upon completion of her recovery.
In an inspiring update, the shelter confirmed Zaria has found a loving new home.
According to a Facebook post from the Humane Society of Midland County, shelter manager Beth took Zaria in as a foster dog because she needed a six-foot fence to keep her out. the great mastiff to run away.
But the fostering situation quickly turned into real love: Beth said of Zaria that she was „the best dog she’s ever taken in“ and that, although she was afraid of people at first, she had been “well behaved and was so sweet”.
Beth knew it was her destiny and officially adopted Zaria. She reportedly changed the dog’s name slightly to „Zara.“
This happy ending is the result of a partnership between the two shelters and the non-profit BISSELL Pet Foundation. Zara was reportedly the latest adoption at the „Empty the Shelters“ event.
We are thrilled that she is finally safe, recovered and has found a new forever home!
