From Tragedy to Triumph: “Einstein,” an English Pointer Rescued from East Liberty Street Shooting, Finds His Forever Home
ASHLAND — In the wake of heartbreak, sometimes hope arrives quietly — on four legs, with a wagging tail and an unbreakable spirit.
When news broke earlier this month about the fatal shooting at 102 East Liberty Street, many readers were shaken by the loss of life involved. Yet for many in the Ashland community, one small line in the coverage stood out and sparked an outpouring of concern:
“The Ashland County Humane Society also responded to the scene and took custody of a dog found inside the home. The animal was unharmed.”
Messages poured in.
Was the dog safe?
Why was he removed?
And would he ever find a loving home?
This week, those questions were finally answered — and the update brings smiles, relief, and a happy ending.
I recently caught up with Ashland County Humane Society representative Tiffany Meyer, who arrived with a very special guest: Einstein, an active and affectionate English Pointer whose life was forever changed on Jan. 1, 2026.
“Einstein is a really good boy,” Meyer said, gently resting her hand on him. “And he’s been here with us since January 1st.”
Meyer explained that following the shooting, Ashland Police Division officers contacted the Humane Society immediately, recognizing that there was no one else available to care for the dog at that time.
“The PD called me on the first and asked if the Ashland County Humane Society could step in and take care of Einstein — which we did, lovingly,” Meyer said. “I want to give a big shout-out to the Ashland Police Division, the line officers, and the detectives. They did a fantastic job making sure Einstein was safe and made that call as soon as they could.”
Einstein was brought to the Heartland Technical Education Center, where he became part of the school’s veterinary science program under the guidance of instructor Anne Leidigh. There, nearly 50 students helped care for him — providing walks, meals, playtime, and no shortage of squeaker toys.
“He’s gone for walks, played, eaten well, and absolutely won over the hearts of the students,” Meyer said. “He’s been so loved.”
As an English Pointer, Einstein is energetic and thrives on activity — something staff were careful to consider when planning his future.
And then came the words everyone had been hoping to hear.
“We actually have good news for everybody,” Meyer said with a smile. “Einstein goes to his new family tomorrow.”
The future couldn’t be brighter. Meyer confirmed that Einstein has already met his new owner, and the match couldn’t have been better.
“They got along smashingly,” she said. “They were running around the parking lot, out back in the park — it went great. He’s going to an owner who loves his activity level and plans to do lots of runs and walks with him. That’s exactly what he needs.”
For those who questioned why Einstein was removed from the home that day, Meyer emphasized the reason was simple and rooted in care.
“There was nobody else available to take care of him,” she explained. “And we’re lucky to live in a phenomenal community that truly cares about its animals. We could not do what we do — as the Humane Society or through this vet program — without that support.”
Einstein’s story has become a powerful reminder that even in moments of tragedy, compassion prevails. From first responders ensuring his safety, to students showering him with love, to a new family ready to give him the life he deserves — it truly took a community.
From a crime scene to a classroom…
From uncertainty to security…
From tragedy to triumph.
Einstein isn’t just a dog rescued — he’s a symbol of Ashland’s heart. 🐾
