Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC) is on a mission to find one of its longest-time residents (and one of the most unforgettable) a forever home before the new year.
Tony Hawk is a wheelchair-using dog with a big personality and even bigger fan club who has been with the shelter for over four years. CAC says resources and foster options are no longer sustainable long-term solutions, and it’s launching a full-scale, all-hands-on-deck campaign, dubbed “Operation Adopt Tony Hawk,” to find him a safe, loving and structured home.
“Tony has overcome so much, and he’s become an animal that everyone here has grown to know and love,” CAC Shelter Director Meaghan Colville said in a press release. “He’s been adored by dozens of staff and volunteers, captured hearts online and he’s inspired us every single day. Now, we just need one person to take that final step and give him the home he’s been waiting for.”
CAC says Tony’s story is both heartbreaking and hopeful. He was once a discarded and behaviorally misunderstood dog, but with the love and structured care of his foster, Alaine, he has gained confidence and learned to trust again.
Tony now loves lounging on the couch and prefers quiet evenings to chaos. Because of his needs, Tony’s ideal adopter is a patient and experienced adult who can give him consistency, calm and a routine. He’s also best-suited for a single-family, adults-only home (no children under 18), but he can coexist with low-energy dogs who will respect his space. A fenced yard is preferred, but not required. You should also be able to lift 50 pounds when needed.
If you adopt Tony, you will also receive full support from CAC’s Behavior and Training team, as well as guidance from Tony’s current foster and medical staff. You will also receive a special waiver that summarizes his history and outlines his care plan.
“Tony Hawk may not be for everyone, but for the right person, he’s everything,” said shelter staff. “He’s easy to love, easy to care for and he makes every single day brighter. You don’t need to be a superhero to adopt him — just someone who believes in second chances.”
Operation Adopt Tony Hawk will feature weekly stories and video content that highlights Tony’s journey, including a “Tony Hawk’s Cribs” video filmed in his foster home and “Taking Care of Tony,” a discussion with medical staff on how easy it is to take care of Tony. There’s also a “Hot Tony” fitness challenge where you can display your strength and compassion and “Let’s Talk About Tony,” with testimonials from staff and volunteers who love Tony.
“We’ve done everything we can for Tony within the walls of this shelter,” Colville said. “Now we’re calling on the community — his village — to help him finish his story with the ending he deserves.”
Tony will also appear at several upcoming adoption events, including the Black Friday Adoption Extravaganza and Silent Night at CAC.
Operation Tony Hawk will run through Dec. 31. Interested adopters can email D.Tung@cincycare.org to learn more and schedule a meet-and-greet.
More info: cincinnatianimalcare.org.
