The new “Superman” film features the Man of Steel’s lovable canine sidekick Krypto, whose real-life inspiration was Ozu, a former shelter dog rescued by officers from the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.
Swift action by Lieut. James Huffman and his Animal Services colleagues led to the rescue of Ozu and 36 other small dogs from a packed minivan.
“If a dog who started at our shelter system can inspire a movie hero, it’s proof that animals in our care have the potential to do incredible things,” Huffman said in a statement. “You don’t need a cape to be a hero — just a willingness to open your home and heart to a shelter pet.”
To honor Ozu for his journey from shelter life to superhero fame, the county is launching “Unleash Your Superpower — Adopt a Hero,” an adoption event Aug. 1-31. Adoption fees will be waived for all cats and dogs and include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchips and engraved ID tags.
“We can all do more, and this story shows the power of giving shelter pets a second chance,” V. Manuel Perez, county board chairman and 4th District supervisor, said in a statement. “You never know who is waiting for you at a Riverside County shelter, and there is no better time to make a lasting connection.”
Riverside County’s animal shelters have one of the highest intake rates in the nation, and kennels are over capacity, officials said. Every adoption creates space for another pet in need.
“Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear collars,” 5th District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez said in a statement. “Ozu may be a Hollywood star now, but his story started in Riverside County. Let’s help more shelter pets find their starring role…in a home.”
Information on shelters’ locations and operating hours is online at rcdas.org.
