INWOOD — A star-crossed dog whose harrowing tale of abandonment grabbed the attention of Inwood residents two years ago is once again in need of a new home.
Georgia, a 3-year-old pit bull that was found chained outside a restaurant on Thanksgiving Day in 2011, is again homeless after her owner, Inwood resident Amy Sims, died suddenly on June 13.
In the aftermath of Sims' death, the network of animal lovers that saved the dog two years ago are scrambling to find a suitable family.
"I think everyone wants to make sure she ends up in a very safe place," said Jennifer Bristol, program manager of the Bully Project, which works to help find homes for pit bulls in New York. "We don't want to fail her."
Georgia was found shaking and cowering outside Papasito Restaurant and Agave Bar on Nov. 24, 2011. Rescuers, who took the dog in and named her "Inwood Sandy," received adoption inquiries from as far away as Schenectady, N.Y., before settling on Sims, a 41-year-old math teacher at the City College Academy of the Arts.
Sims' death shocked everyone in the Inwood pet community.
"She's just the last person you'd expect to just go," said Catherine Campbell, vice president of the Inwood dog group Inwoof. "There was nothing about her that alerted anyone. It was just a huge shock."
Sims' relatives are currently caring for the dog, but Bristol said rescuers would like to find a foster or permanent home soon.
Anyone interested in adopting Georgia should not have any other pets, Campbell warned, as the dog does not interact well with other animals.
"That is something to underscore," Campbell said. "You can't take on this dog thinking, 'But she'll get along with my dog.'"
Outside of her issues with other dogs, Campbell described Georgia as a "ridiculously loving, sweet and happy dog that is highly trainable and will do well with a patient owner."
"The love that she is capable of is so amazing," Campbell said.
The Bully Project will offer training sessions for anyone who adopts Georgia.
For more information, email bullyprojectnyc@gmail.com.
