Dave Bautista has adopted an adorable rescue dog after the poor pup was left neglected and needing surgery.
The retired WWE superstar, known to wrestling fans simply as Batista, showed his softer side as he welcomed a new furry canine friend into his family this week.
On September 26, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB) revealed a poor puppy called Sage had been brought in after someone spotted her eating rubbish with a metal chain cutting into her neck.
The shelter revealed that the dog had surgery to remove the chain, and was cared for by HSTB staff for a number of weeks, but now the three-month-old pit bull has continued her amazing recovery.
She was put up for adoption with an overwhelming amount of interest, and Bautista caught wind of the story and called for information on whoever was behind her injuries.
He promised to ‘personally hand’ $5,000 to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible, with Alvarez Injury Law matching his offer while HSTB offering an additional $1,500.
Although the former owners haven’t been found yet, the Guardians of the Galaxy star had an amazing update for fans this week.
He said in an Instagram video: ‘The good news is, the puppy you know as Sage actually became Penny Bautista. So I’d like to introduce you to the newest member of my family … healing up, nice, and recovered.
‘She is now a Bautista and she will never be abused again a day in her life. She is about to live her best puppy life ever … and she has her forever home.’
Bautista already has adopted pit bulls Maggie and Ollie, so Penny is heading into a very family friendly home.
In an Instagram post, the HSTB added: ‘Dave saw Sage’s story and knew that she belonged with him! We are so excited for Sage!
‘She went from eating trash in a cemetery with a chain embedded around her neck to starting an AMAZING new life with Dave and 2 new Pitty siblings!’
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