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Two senior dogs lost their owner in a hit-and-run — and their next heartbreak could be even harder to bear as they wait for a forever home

The sister said the dogs were affectionate, loved each other and kids, and were clearly missing their dad since he was gone.

BY TIYASA BISWAS

PUBLISHED 6 HOURS AGO

(L) A road accident, (R) Two dogs sitting on grass . (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) yamasan, (R) Renata Ruch / 500px)

A tragic hit-and-run incident left two loyal senior dogs without an owner. While the family is grieving the loss of the owner, the unfortunate fate of the dogs only causes more heartache. Joey Henriquez, the dog owner, was involved in a fatal accident in October 2025 while walking in Fort Lauderdale. As the family tries to cope with the heartbreaking loss, they also acknowledge that his two dogs, Bella and Ally, are likely missing their owner and do not understand his absence.

Medics rushing in response to victim call. (Representative Image Source: Pexels| Photo by Mikhail Nilov) — Medics rushing in response to victim call. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Mikhail Nilov)

Henriquez lost his life to a hit-and-run while walking his bicycle across Palm Aire Drive in Pompano Beach. The driver did not bother to stop or call an ambulance, leaving the victim to die on the highway. Later, his mother, Linda Cuevas, was informed about the accident and prayed for her son’s recovery. “The whole thing just came as a total shock,” she told Local10 News. Henriquez spent a week in the hospital before the doctor declared him brain-dead. His sister, Michelle Zymet, said, “By the grace of God as well, he was able to donate some of his organs to save other lives, which I think is an amazing tribute to him.”

Man lying on a hospital bed. Representative Image Source: Getty Images | David Sacks — Man lying on a hospital bed. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | David Sacks)

While they grieve the loss, the family is also worried about the two dogs, who are deeply bonded and cannot be rehomed separately. “They are loving, they’re so affectionate, they love kids, they just love being with each other, they have an amazing time just being of course with my brother, and he’s not here, so they are missing their Dad,” the sister shared. Bella and Ally have a challenge to conquer as they have just lost their beloved owner and will no longer be staying with the family. Bella, an 8-year-old white American Bulldog-Boxer mix, and Ally, a 13-year-old Shepherd-Labrador mix, are currently being taken care of at Hounds Town in Broward County. The facility owner, Toni Jade, has paid for their vaccinations and vet expenses.

Two dogs (Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | Pixabay) — Two dogs. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Pixabay)

However, the family informed that this is a temporary fix as they intend to find one loving home for the two bonded dogs. They were close to their late owner, and the victim’s mother hopes the dogs will be taken care of and loved by their future owners. “I would really appreciate it if somebody could just give them a good home and give them the love and everything and attention that they deserve,” she noted.

While the family could have retained Henriquez’s dogs, the mother explained that she is recovering from a hip injury and was recently evicted from her home. Given the circumstances, she would be unable to properly care for the two adorable pups, and it was best for them to move into new homes. A safe and comfortable home would be ideal for Bella and Ally, but it does not completely eliminate the fact that they also might be grieving their late owner.