RICHMOND, Va, (WRIC) — One year after a puppy got stuck in a very literal sticky situation, his new family is sharing their appreciation with those who helped rescue him.
8News first met Michelangelo in February 2023, after Richmond Fire and Police crews received a call that a dog was barking from inside a storm drain in the Forest Hill neighborhood.
Crews responded to Prince George Road and Devonshire Road and climbed down about eight feet to get the dog out using a rope.
The dog was later given to Richmond Animal Care and Control, where he was given the name Michelangelo. When an owner did not come forward, the pit bull mix was put up for adoption.
While the active pup stayed at the shelter, he found a new friend who was also waiting for her furr-ever home — Kate Spayed.
Matthew Kiselica said that, when he and his wife heard about Michelangelo’s heroic journey and the connection he’d made with Kate Spayed, they couldn’t resist — so the couple adopted the two pups.
On Valentine’s Day, the two pups returned to Richmond Animal Care and Control to thank their heroes.
“Even in incidents like this where they saved a dog, it might not of registered to them the impact that would have — because this led to two dogs being adopted, and our lives are so much richer because of them,” Kiselica said. “So it’s really great. It’s like everybody won all along the line.”
Michelangelo and Kate Spayed’s adoptions are two of over 1,600 adoptions made at Richmond Animal Care and Control last year.
Kiselica said he considers the adoption a win for both the community and his own family and encourages other families to consider animals who could be in a similar situation.
“They were lost, or they were rejected or dismissed or even worse, abused,” Kiselica said. “And the only thing they want is to love somebody and to be loved. Can’t we say that about most of us? And that’s kind of a perfect message for Valentine’s Day, isn’t it?”
A spokesperson from Richmond Animal Care and Control said they are excited to see their RACC alumni doing well in their adoptive homes.
If you are interested in adopting a pet you are encouraged to visit the shelter’s website.
