A young Labrador retriever was found with his mouth taped shut on a property in Johnson County. On Sunday, he will be in Fort Worth, looking for his forever home.
“When Hopper arrived at (the Humane Society of North Texas), he had endured unimaginable neglect,” the nonprofit said in a news release. “He had been left outside in the elements, unable to eat, drink, or even bark for help.”
A Good Samaritan reported the dog’s living conditions to Johnson County authorities, who brought him to the shelter for care. Hopper is thriving in his new environment, and photos show him bounding into the air to catch a ball.
Staff praised his resilience and described him as “unbelievably joyful.”
“Hopper got his name honestly because he hops everywhere like a little goat,” shelter staff said on social media.
Hopper is being neutered Saturday, and on Sunday he will be ready for adoption. He’ll be at the Montgomery Plaza PetSmart, 415 Carroll St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Lab’s former owner, Sheldon Parrett, was arrested Feb. 4 on animal cruelty charges, according to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
“The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office takes allegations of animal cruelty seriously and remains committed to the safety and welfare of all animals within the community,” the agency said in a Facebook post.
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