05/28/2026
We’d like to share an important update about the Doberman we named Honeybee.
First and foremost, we are asking for kindness and compassion—both toward our staff and toward Judy’s family as we share some more details. This has been an emotional situation for everyone involved.
We have now learned that “Honeybee” is actually named Judy, and she is an 11-year-old dog (ISU originally estimated her age to be closer to 3–5 years). Judy is a very loved family dog who lives in Ankeny near the bike trail. She is known to enjoy wandering and often follows bikers along the trail—she is extremely friendly and social. According to her owner, she typically goes out briefly and always returns home.
However, four days ago, Judy did not come back.
She was later found by a good Samaritan in a ditch between Madrid and Slater. At this time, we do not know how she ended up so far from home.
Judy also has severe injuries, including deep slashes across her head that went to the bone in her skull. Judy was hit by a car, but the veterinarians do not believe the head wounds were caused by that.
As many of you know, when an owner is located for an animal with significant medical expenses, we typically ask that those costs be covered. Unfortunately, Judy’s family does not have the financial ability to do so. Even more concerning, Judy may still require additional medical care as she heals—care that could become costly—and her family has shared that they simply do not have the means to cover any future expenses.
This has been a heartbreaking decision, but with Judy’s ongoing needs in mind, her family has made the choice to surrender her to our care so that she can receive the treatment she may need moving forward. Their priority is making sure Judy has access to care and a future where her medical needs can be met.
We understand many people may feel strongly about Judy being returned to her family, and we completely respect those feelings. We explored every possible option, but ultimately the family felt this was the most compassionate decision for Judy’s long-term well-being.
Right now, our focus is on Judy’s healing, comfort, and next steps in her recovery journey. We will continue to keep everyone updated as we learn more.
Thank you for your understanding, support, and kindness during a very difficult situation.
PS - we wanted to share this cute video of Judy enjoying her peanut butter. 😍
