He was 95 pounds 🤯
Animal control officer Priscilla Wolcott of Fresno Humane Animal Services recently responded to a call about a massive Rottweiler that had been spending several days on the front porch of a home in Fresno, California.
The dog had apparently been lingering around the property for nearly a week. Although he never behaved aggressively, the elderly homeowner felt uneasy because of his impressive size and worried he might accidentally knock her over.
Recognizing that handling such a large dog would be safer with extra assistance, Wolcott asked a fellow officer to accompany her to the scene.
When they arrived, they quickly realized the homeowner had not exaggerated. The Rottweiler was enormous, weighing just under 100 pounds.
Temperatures that day had climbed above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the dog had chosen the shaded porch as a cool place to escape the intense heat.
Despite his intimidating appearance, the Rottweiler immediately showed that he had a gentle nature. Wolcott observed relaxed body language and friendly behavior, making it clear that he was comfortable around people and willing to cooperate.
The officers safely transported him to the Fresno Humane Animal Services shelter, where staff began searching for clues that could help identify his family.
A microchip scan revealed that the dog had been implanted with a chip, but unfortunately the registration information had never been completed, making it impossible to contact an owner directly.
Even so, Wolcott suspected the dog belonged to someone. He appeared healthy, maintained an ideal weight, had neatly trimmed nails, and walked calmly on a leash—all strong indicators that he had been well cared for before becoming lost.
While waiting for someone to claim him, shelter staff affectionately nicknamed the dog “NeeDoh,” inspired by the popular soft, squishy stress-relief toy. His affectionate personality and calm demeanor quickly made him a favorite among the employees.
Fortunately, just before the end of his required 72-hour stray holding period, the mystery was solved.
The dog’s owner arrived at the shelter, relieved to discover that his beloved companion had been found safe. He explained that he had been away from home and had no idea the dog had escaped while he was gone.
The gentle giant’s real name was Sheru, and after spending a week on his own, he was finally reunited with the person who had been searching for him.
Sheru’s experience also highlights the importance of keeping pet microchip information current. Although his chip confirmed that he had once been identified, the missing registration delayed the reunion. Thankfully, thanks to observant neighbors and dedicated animal control officers, the friendly Rottweiler was able to return home safely.