Pitched puppy adopted

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Lola, a puppy who was thrown over a third-story balcony at an apartment complex, met her new adoptive parents Monday, Jim Hall and Bill Cartledge.

They lost their 16-year-old dachshund named Lucky one year ago and decided it was time to move on.

“We had been talking serious about getting another one, and then her story was just so touching,” said Hall.

“I’ve got to think Lucy is telling us it’s time to share that love we had with her” said Cartledge.

The two received the good news they would be the new parents of Lola last week after many letters of recommendation.

“All our friends started encouraging us to apply to adopt this puppy. So, I put this application in knowing she was in Alabama, and we’re in Florida and Virginia, so it’s probably not going to happen. But, it did” said Cartledge.

Save a Stray President Stephanie Williamson said she believes Hall and Cartledge will provide a great home for Lola.

“We received recommendations from friends, different humane societies (including everything) from their daily routine for taking their dogs to the park, the travels they have done with their dogs. So, I just think Lola is going to have a wonderful life,” said Williamson.

Williamson said the group received over 200 applications for the puppy.

“What made us choose Bill and Jim was their desire to help in making Lola the face of animal abuse and to help what happened to her have a lasting benefit,” Williamson said.

The pair said they are actively involved with animal protection groups in their own community.

“We are involved in trying to get a new animal shelter built in Key West,” said Cartledge.

The couple said they were excited to meet the newest member of the family.

“She has been through a lot, and I’m surprised she is as calm as she is,” Hall said.

This all comes after a long recovery for Lola when she was allegedly thrown over a third-story balcony by her owner, Kendria Dexter at Barrington Apartments.

Barrington Apartment Manager Scott Kimbler told FOX10 News that a group of people saw someone throw the puppy from a third-story balcony in March.

"When I came outside, I saw eight residents trying to get the puppy,” said Kimbler.

Lola was taken to South Alabama Spay and Neuter Clinic to recover.

The apartment manager said Dexter was fighting with her roommate when she tossed the dog outside. He said it fell three stories and landed in a grassy area nearly 15 feet away from the apartment.

"I was heartbroken. I couldn't believe anyone would do that,” Kimbler said.

Dexter's roommate talked to FOX10 News about what happened before Dexter threw Lola over the third-story balcony of her apartment.

"It started over a pair of headphones. And from a pair of headphones, it escalated into a pair of arguments that was unsettled. I guess she got so upset about the arguments, she tossed the dog saying that the dog was the initiator," said roommate Andrea Griffin.

Kendria was evicted and originally arrested on misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, but those were dismissed by the city in order for the state to file felony charges.

“The reason it should have been a felony is because it involved the kind of physical injury that was serious enough to cause intense or prolonged pain,” said Martha Tierney with the DA’s office.

Judge George Hardesty set an arraignment for Dexter May 17.

Williamson said there will be a reception at Cafe 615 Tuesday evening from 6-8.

It will serve as a meet-and-greet for Lola.

Williamson is encouraging people to bring any dachshunds they have for adoption and hope to find homes for them in honor of Lola.