A Georgia man and his wife received an animal restraint exemption to save a dog with heartworm that city leaders said faced euthanasia.
WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Warner Robins city leaders have approved a key exemption Allowing a disabled Navy veteran and his wife Go beyond the Georgia city’s animal restrictions and adopt a desperate rescue dog who is at risk of euthanasia.
The vote followed a public hearing in which city officials reviewed whether Zachary and Tiffany Nowak met city code requirements for an animal limit exemption that allows residents to exceed Warner Robins’ six-animal limit on residential properties.
Under city code, residents are limited to six animals unless the mayor and council approve an exception. City Administrator James Drinkard told the City Council that the Norwalkers currently have six animals and requested permission to increase the number to seven.
For the Norwalkers, the request was personal.
“Over the years in our family, we’ve found that my wife and I couldn’t have children, and our animals have become our children,” Zachary Novak said.
Nowak, a disabled U.S. Navy veteran, told the City Council that his animals help him cope with post-traumatic stress disorder while his wife deals with ongoing medical challenges.
“Myself, as a disabled U.S. Navy veteran, they really helped me with my PTSD,” Novak said. “Additionally, my wife was diagnosed with aggressive multiple sclerosis. When this happened to her, her life changed dramatically.”
The Animal Restraint Exemption centers on a dog named Amir, a husky mix at Warner Robins Animal Control. City officials said the dog had heartworm and needed treatment. During the meeting, city staff said the dog could face euthanasia if the exemption is denied.
Novak said learning about Amir’s condition through local rescue channels prompted the family to step in.
“I feel that all living things themselves, from the smallest to the largest, have a right to exist and at least have a chance,” Novak said. “That’s the opportunity we want to give them.”
Amir’s family tells us they plan to pick him up and begin veterinary care.
“Even going through the process of heartworm medication, it’s very difficult for the animal and there’s no guarantee of survival, but without our intervention, the animal wouldn’t have had a chance,” Novak said.
City officials also cited the Novaks’ history as responsible pet owners, noting there have been no nuisance complaints related to their property. Attorney Jim Himes told the City Council the request complied with city code requirements, noting it was only the second animal restraint exemption application considered in 11 years.
“This is a favorable result,” Novak said after the vote. “That’s not necessarily the case, but I still appreciate their time.”
