Our Story
On January 21st of 2012 I met Zion and her daughter Nya on a blistering cold day, outside of a squat house, in a filthy yard in Far Rockaway. They, along with other members of Zion's litter, were being neglected to the point of cruelty by any decent person’s standards. Despite the deplorable conditions, due to grossly insufficient animal welfare laws the dogs could not be seized by authorities. Ultimately, the owner surrendered all but two of the dogs to rescue. In a cruel twist of fate Nya and Zion were not permitted to leave with the rest of the family. And, so began my story with the girls, who would prove to be two of the greatest loves of my life. They would have such a profound effect on me and others close to me that we find ourselves here today rescuing in their honor.
Over the next 5 years I was the girls’ main provider for all their basic needs. Day in and day out I visited them outside that house to feed, water, walk, clean, exercise and love them. I made sure they had fresh straw and blankets in their insulated dog house when it was cold, and plenty of cold water on days it was hot. In times of extreme cold when their owner refused to take the girls inside they came home with me. But the fact always remained, they were still suffering despite my best efforts and continual pleas for them to be surrendered to me. The look on their faces each day when they realized I was leaving will forever remain in my mind’s eye. And while it was extremely painful for me to walk away, it was always worse for them who had to stay.
In November of 2016 Zion tore her ACL. At the time I was mortified but it’s only looking back now that I can see it for what it was: a miracle. For it was at this moment the tables turned and the girls were set on their course to freedom.
While Zion was at the vet undergoing pre-surgery screenings for her leg it was discovered that she also had breast cancer. She required immediate surgery not only for her leg but she also needed a semi-radical mastectomy and spay. Since her owner couldn’t provide the costly surgeries Zion desperately needed, I was able to raise the money thanks to her biggest fans and longtime supporters. Simultaneously, arrangements were made for Nya to attend a much-needed training program as she had suffered emotional trauma from being imprisoned in that yard for all those years.
During the time Zion was home recovering with Matt and myself, the girls were surrendered to me. But it soon became clear when their former owner reneged on the deal and demanded the girls be brought back to his yard that we were in for a fight. We had one shot, a once in a lifetime chance to fight for their complete freedom. And this we did, thanks to one of my dearest friends and her lawyers, who took the girls’ case pro bono, ultimately winning custody in court.
Not long after this huge victory Zion was diagnosed with stage 3 T-cell lymphoma, an extremely aggressive cancer. We immediately started chemotherapy treatments, and thanks to these life-saving protocols the sparkle in her eyes, the joy in her heart, and the pep in her step remained for 18 more months until she told us it was time to say good bye. During the last 6 months of Zion’s life her daughter Nya was also diagnosed with cancer. Transitional cell carcinoma affects Nya’s bladder and urinary tract so like her mom she also began chemotherapy and living with us and the girls went to chemo together. We are happy to report that Nya continues to thrive with treatment and is doing great today. Nya, like Zion, will remain living with us for the rest of her life as she is one of our rescue’s hospice dogs
Zion continues to inspire me each day and our bond will never be broken, even in death. I want every animal we help from this moment forward to be in honor of our girls. I am so thankful to each and every person who helped complete their rescue and allowed them to go on living happy lives with us. Zion was and will always be the bravest mommy I have ever met. Zion, this new rescue organization is for you and your beloved daughter Nya. We love you forever. #ZionSentUs
Sloane Quealy-Miner
Co-founder/President