Imagine the despair Roxi experienced when her human tied her to a light pole and abandoned her on the side of a Long Island highway. The four-year-old English Mastiff could only watch helplessly as her owner turned away and disappeared, leaving her behind with no one to care for her.
Heartbroken and frightened, Roxi began to yelp, hoping someone would show her kindness and rescue her from this dire situation.
Roxi’s Hero Comes To Her Aid
Ray Quinones, a Garden City Sanitation worker, spotted Roxi while driving to work. Shocked by what he saw, he immediately exited his car to help. As he approached, he heard her desperate yelps. Though Roxi felt comfort in his presence, she grew nervous as he got closer. To avoid frightening her, Quinones kept his distance but noticed a bowl of food nearby.
He called the police and stayed with Roxi until they arrived, providing her some much-needed company.
Upon arriving, the officers untied Roxi and discovered a note beside her food bowl. It read: “This is Roxi, a trained American Bullmastiff. She is four years old, has been fed, and given a flea bath. She may still have some issues. Please ensure she receives good care.” Fortunately, apart from being underweight, Roxi was in good health when taken to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.
The authorities were appalled that Roxi had been abandoned on such a busy highway. Determined to find her owner, they launched an investigation. “The Southern State Parkway is one of Long Island’s busiest and most dangerous highways,” remarked Nassau County District Attorney, Anne Donnelly, to The New York Post.
Shortly thereafter, they succeeded in apprehending the individual responsible for Roxi’s abandonment.
Roxi Turns Her Life Around
Despite her trauma, Roxi maintained a sweet disposition as she tried to adapt to life in the shelter, accepting her new reality. Many were touched by her story, and multiple families sought to adopt her. Among them were John and Sandy Reeve, who hadn’t planned on getting another dog after losing their cherished Mastiff, Hannah.
However, upon seeing Roxi on television, they were captivated; she resembled their late Hannah. Although the shelter was no longer accepting applications, they were given an opportunity to apply after sharing their story with the staff.
During their meet-and-greet, the Reeves took Roxi for a walk. Despite her fear of men due to past trauma, she bonded with Mr. Reeve. “When I sat down, she came, put her head on my lap, and slobbered me up,” Mr. Reeve shared with The Suffolk Times.
The staff recognized Roxi’s connection with the Reeves, who welcomed her into their home in Aquebogue, New York, on July 15th, 2024. Thrilled with her new family, Roxi quickly settled into her dream life.
Roxi now lives her dream life, showering her owners with love while enjoying their spacious three-acre waterfront property. It brings joy to see Roxi turn her life around and find her happily ever after.
