ELK GROVE — A heartwarming ceremony took place at the Elk Grove City Council meeting this past Wednesday, as Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen presented a special proclamation to Ethan, a 4-year-old Presa Canario, in recognition of his heroic contributions to raising awareness about animal abuse. Ethan’s extraordinary journey, which began in dire circumstances, has captivated hearts and inspired action against animal cruelty.
In 2019, Ethan was reportedly found abandoned outside a Kentucky animal shelter, weighing 50 pounds less than a healthy dog of his breed should. He was described as severely dehydrated and in critical condition. Jeff Callaway, Ethan’s adoptive owner, recounted the moment they thought the dog was lifeless upon arrival at the veterinary clinic. “When the person found him and brought him into the vet area, they thought he was dead. And then he took a breath,” Jeff shared, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
After receiving the necessary medical attention, veterinarians revived Ethan, setting him on a path of recovery that would eventually lead to his adoption by Jeff and his wife, Dana. The couple has embraced Ethan’s mission, which includes meeting with lawmakers to advocate for stronger protections against animal cruelty. Recent legislative efforts in Kentucky resulted in the passage of “Ethan’s Law,” which reportedly increases the penalties for animal abuse to felony charges.
As Jeff Callaway explained, the passage of this law represents a significant step forward, but there remains much to be done. “Now that that law has passed, our job now becomes to give a name to all those other cats and dogs that have been abused or tortured or killed,” he stated, reflecting the continuing struggle against cruelty in the community.
Ethan’s tale resonates not only with lawmakers but also with animal advocates and pet lovers alike. “When you see him in person and you see the love he radiates, it’s really been amazing,” said Penny Forseth-Andrews, an animal advocate who highlighted the inspiration Ethan brings to potential pet adopters. His journey has captured the attention of a growing following on social media, where he boasts 44,000 followers on Facebook, many of whom feel a personal connection to his plight and recovery.
Recognized for his impact, the American Humane Society honored Ethan as an “American Hero Dog” in 2022, further solidifying his status as a symbol of hope in the ongoing fight against animal cruelty. “When we come around, people are always happy to see him and they want to talk to him,” Jeff said, elaborating on the joy Ethan brings to those who encounter him.
Ethan’s continued advocacy will see him participating in a walking tour of Elk Grove’s historic main street on Friday afternoon, followed by appearances as the guest of honor at upcoming fundraisers in nearby Folsom and Sheldon. The Callaway family hopes that by sharing Ethan’s inspiring story, they can motivate others to consider adopting shelter pets and standing against animal abuse.
As Ethan continues to tour the nation in his mission, his presence embraces the heartbreaking, yet uplifting narrative of resilience, community support, and the power of advocacy for the voiceless.