Tennessee sergeant adopts abandoned rescue puppy who becomes certified K-9
Metro Nashville Police Department Sergeant Mark Woodfin recounts the uplifting journey of Ziva, a rescue puppy once found abandoned and tied to a pole in Tennessee who has since become a certified explosive detection K-9. Woodfin, who worked as a K-9 officer earlier in his law enforcement career, saw promise in Ziva from the start. He says he is deeply proud of how far she has come and of the bond they have built, noting the discipline and commitment required for their high-pressure work.
Authorities in California say the remains of more than 100 dogs were found buried at an animal rescue sanctuary, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna in April after receiving a tip alleging animal abuse, cruelty, fraud and conspiracy. The inquiry has involved local, state and federal agencies.
Last week, officials said investigators recovered 117 intact dog remains from two excavation sites. At a separate dig location near where the intact bodies were found, authorities also uncovered 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones and six loose microchips. Investigators later said they were still examining microchip information and other evidence collected from the property.
More than 100 dog remains were found buried at a California animal shelter. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle)
The sheriff’s office said the intact dog remains were found in varying stages of decomposition. Seventy of the dogs were X-rayed at the scene, and many showed signs of bullet fragments. Forensic veterinarians made a preliminary finding that numerous dogs examined on site appeared to have died from gunshot wounds.
“Most of the dogs recovered were microchipped. Analysts are currently reviewing the data obtained from the microchips and are working to identify the dogs associated with those chips. All items were collected as evidence and will undergo further examination as part of the ongoing investigation,” the sheriff’s office said.
Investigators also identified a section inside a barn that they believe may have been used as the place where the dogs were killed. More than 600 dog collars were recovered from that area, authorities said.
Investigators identified at least 918 dogs transferred to the rescue since January 2025, but only 116 adoptions have been confirmed. Authorities said 71 dogs were found on site during the investigation, leaving more than 700 dogs unaccounted for.
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The intact dogs were in various stages of decomposition, officials said. (Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle)
“This investigation is just getting started,” Sheriff William Honsal said. “There is a tremendous amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine. The Major Crimes Division is laser focused on this case and will continue working with our state and federal partners to examine every lead.”
News Agency reached out to Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary for comment.
The owner and founder, Shannon Miranda, posted a statement on the rescue’s website pushing back on the allegations.
“For more than 30 years, I have devoted my life to rescuing and caring for animals through Miranda’s Rescue. Recent media coverage and online commentary have presented an incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture of our work. I want to share the facts and provide context so the public can better understand our work and the difficult decisions we sometimes must make,” the June 18 statement reads.
Miranda said his rescue has euthanized animals in the past, but only in rare circumstances “when an animal is suffering from a terminal condition or when it poses a serious, ongoing danger to people or other animals.”
There have been no arrests or charges yet in connection with the investigation. (Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office)
“In one case, a dog named Zora arrived heavily sedated, later killed a feral cat during a walk with a prospective adopter, then broke free and attacked another dog,” Miranda said. “In another case, a dog transferred to us became fixated on a stroller carrying a baby, lunged at it, and attacked it before staff intervened. In both situations, given the observed behavior and the risks to staff, volunteers, visitors, and other animals, I made the difficult decision to euthanize the dogs.”
Authorities have not arrested or charged anyone yet in connection with this case, but the sheriff’s office said the evidence review process will require a significant amount of time due to the nature and complexity of the investigation.
