In a shocking case that shook the entire community of Lehigh Acres, Florida, a senior Shih Tzu named Xyla—once a cherished family pet—was found abandoned in the most heartbreaking way. At 16 years old, Xyla was discovered tied up in a trash bag, thrown out like garbage inside a dumpster behind a local Family Dollar store. The incident left people horrified, but it also sparked an outpouring of love and compassion that would ultimately save Xyla’s life.
The morning of December 14, 2023, started like any other for Luis Llado, an employee at the Family Dollar store. While taking out the garbage, something strange caught his attention—a bag in the dumpster was moving. Curious and concerned, he decided to investigate. When he tore the bag open, he found Xyla inside, alive but barely hanging on. She was wrapped tightly in the trash bag, a rope tied cruelly around her neck. She was hot, sweaty, and smelled awful after being confined in the garbage. Luis was stunned, unable to comprehend how anyone could leave a living being to die like this.
Despite her advanced age, nearly blind eyes, and frail condition, Xyla had not given up. She was still breathing, still fighting for her life. Luis quickly realized the severity of the situation. Had he taken the trash out a little later, Xyla might have been crushed inside the garbage truck. That very morning, garbage collectors had already emptied the dumpster once, making her discovery nothing short of a miracle. Luis wasted no time. He carefully removed her from the trash and rushed her to Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, determined to give her a fighting chance.
At the hospital, veterinarians acted swiftly. They scanned Xyla’s microchip and traced her history. It was revealed that Xyla’s original owners had recently passed away. After their death, Xyla had been entrusted to a family member who was supposed to care for her. Unfortunately, that person turned out to be the very individual responsible for her horrifying ordeal. Thanks to surveillance footage and a quick investigation, authorities from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office identified the perpetrator as 55-year-old Anthony Bellman, a relative of Xyla’s deceased owners.
The security video was damning. It showed Bellman arriving at the dumpster in a blue minivan. He got out of the vehicle, casually took a trash bag from his trunk, and heartlessly tossed it into the dumpster—without a second thought. He had no idea that his actions would be captured on camera or that someone would discover the terrible deed. Detectives tracked him down at his home and immediately recognized him by the same clothes he wore in the surveillance video. When questioned by officers, Bellman admitted to the crime, stating he had tried to “put Xyla down” himself because it was “too upsetting” to take her to a veterinary clinic. Instead of seeking humane help for the elderly dog, he left her to die alone in the trash.
For Sheriff Carmine Marceno of Lee County, the case was deeply personal. In a public statement, Sheriff Marceno expressed his outrage over the callous treatment Xyla had endured. “When you watch the video, it’s clear this man had zero regard for Xyla’s life,” Marceno said. “No living creature should ever be discarded like common garbage. What this suspect did was literally throw a life away, and it’s disgusting.” He continued by saying, “Here in Lee County, we are one team, and we stand together to be a voice for the innocent—especially animals like Xyla. We will never stop fighting for justice, and we will always hold people accountable for such cruel actions.”
Following her rescue, Xyla was stabilized by the veterinary team before being transferred to Lee County Domestic Animal Services. Her recovery journey began with gentle care, proper nourishment, and medical attention. News of her rescue quickly spread, touching hearts across the country. Animal lovers rallied behind Xyla, offering support, donations, and encouragement. Despite the trauma she had endured, Xyla showed remarkable resilience. Even with limited eyesight and fragile health, she refused to give up. Just a week after being rescued from the dumpster, Xyla was standing on her own, wagging her tail, full of life, and basking in the attention she so rightfully deserved.
Luis Llado, the man who found her, was overjoyed to see her recovery. “She looks beautiful, a gorgeous old lady,” he said, happy that Xyla was now safe and on the mend. Xyla’s story had a powerful effect on people everywhere, reminding them of the importance of kindness and compassion toward animals.
Meanwhile, justice was served. Anthony Bellman was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a serious felony offense. His name was added to the Lee County Animal Abuser Registry, ensuring he would never again be allowed to harm another animal. The registry acts as a safeguard to prevent known abusers from adopting or owning pets in the future.
Xyla’s story is one of survival and hope. It is a tragic example of how cruel some people can be, but it also highlights the incredible resilience animals possess and the good that still exists in the world. Xyla survived the unimaginable and went on to inspire thousands. Her tale reminds us all that there is never any justification for cruelty and that compassion has the power to change lives.
Today, Xyla is safe, loved, and cared for. She is living out her golden years surrounded by warmth, kindness, and the love she was always meant to have. Her journey from a dumpster to a life filled with affection stands as a testament to second chances and the strength of the human-animal bond. If Xyla’s story has touched your heart, share it. By spreading awareness, we can help ensure that no other animal has to endure such suffering and that every pet gets the chance at life they so richly deserve.
