FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A Fort Lauderdale family grieving the loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run crash is now pleading for help to find a home for his two dogs, who were left without their owner.

The victim, Joey Henriquez, died after he was struck while walking his bicycle across Palm Aire Drive in Pompano Beach.

His family said the driver fled the scene, leaving Henriquez in the roadway. His mother, Linda Cuevas, said she is still struggling to comprehend the sudden loss.

“The whole thing just came as a total shock,” Cuevas said.

Henriquez spent days in the hospital before he was pronounced brain dead, according to his sister, Michelle Zymet.

“We spent about a week in the hospital just hoping and praying that my brother would come out of this, unfortunately again, he was pronounced brain dead so by the grace of God as well, he was able to donate some of his organs to save other lives which I think is an amazing tribute to him,” Zymet said.

Now, his family says they are facing another heartbreak — finding a safe, permanent home for Henriquez’s two dogs, Bella and Ally, who no longer have the owner they were devoted to.

“They are loving, they’re so affectionate, they love kids, they just love being with each other, they have an amazing time just being of course with my brother and he’s not here so they are missing their Dad,” Zymet said.

Bella is an 8-year-old white American bulldog-boxer mix. Ally is a 13-year-old tan shepherd-labrador mix. The two have lived together their entire lives and are considered a bonded pair.

Cuevas said the dogs were an important part of her son’s life.

“When my son and I would go to the dog park in Victoria Park, and we would let them loose and everything, Ally would get so excited!” she said.

But Cuevas said she was recently evicted from her apartment following her son’s death and is recovering from hip surgery after a serious fall, leaving her unable to care for the animals. Bella and Ally are currently being housed at Hounds Town in Broward County.

“They’ve got a nice big room there we open up for them,” said facility owner Toni Jade, who also covered their veterinary care and vaccinations.

The family says that while they are grateful the dogs are safe, the placement is temporary and the pair needs a home where they can remain together.

“I would really appreciate if somebody could just give them a good home and give them the love and everything and attention that they deserve,” Cuevas said.

If you are interested in adopting Bella and Ally, please contact Michelle at michellezymet@gmail.com or 786-295-4819.

Local 10 viewers can also click here for more information on how to help Michelle and her family after their loss.

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