Tragic End To South Slope Dog’s Loving Rescue

Just days after reporting the wondrous news of Dottie’s adoption, we’re devastated to share that the sweet dog has suddenly passed away.

Neighbors Brett and Ashley Affrunti announced her passing on Facebook Thursday morning.

It is with a very heavy heart that we have to inform all of you that Dottie unfortunately passed away last night. We had just dropped her off at her forever home, where she was happy, panting, and adjusting so well to her new loving family. We were just a few blocks down the street when her new owner called us hysterically and said she had gotten out of her front gate and was hit by a car. We turned around and drove as fast as we could, but there was nothing we could do. Dottie passed away in the back of our car on the way to the animal hospital.

According to the post, Dottie jumped up onto the gate, opened it, and ran into the street before her new owners could catch her. The white van that struck her did not stop.

“We want to stress that this was an accident,” the couple wrote. “Her new loving family did absolutely nothing wrong, and this was a complete and utter tragedy.

“We understand that during tragedies like this you feel anger and want to point blame or get answers,” they continued. “We know many of you will be feeling the complete overwhelming feeling of loss like we are right now. But we ask that everyone please respect the fact that this was a complete freak accident when commenting on the situation.”

As heartbreaking as this news is to hear, it is comforting to know that Dottie’s last weeks were filled with such absolute love, something she had likely never experienced prior to her rescue. Our thoughts are with Brett and Ashley, Dottie’s adoptive family, and everyone whose lives were touched by this precious dog.

Ashley tells us that a memorial service will be held in Prospect Park in the coming weeks. As soon as details are released, we’ll be sure to update the site. In the meantime, if you’d like to honor Dottie’s memory, please consider donating your time or money to one of our local rescue organizations, such as Sean Casey or Brooklyn Animal Action. There are countless dogs and cats out there that are in desperate need of help. Let’s make a difference.

Photo via Help Dottie NYC