Cumberland County, TN – On January 17, 2024, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Breckenridge Drive for a civil matter, which led to the discovery of multiple animals living in unsanitary and inhumane conditions. Among those animals was a severely emaciated black husky mix later identified as “Zeus.”

Deputy S. Henderson #862 and Deputy J. McCoy #8920, in coordination with Cumberland County Animal Control, conducted a welfare check on the animals after hearing distressing sounds from within the home. Inside, they found multiple animals in various states of neglect, including a tan dog living in filth, a cat crated in feces, and Zeus — so malnourished and cold that he could not stand or access food or water.

The dog, later surrendered voluntarily by Amber Cheyann Bruce, was immediately transported to the Cumberland County Animal Shelter.

Zeus’s body temperature was just 90.6 degrees (normal is 100.5–102.5), and he weighed only 17 pounds. He was dehydrated, suffering from whipworms, and had injuries to both ears. His condition was so critical that shelter staff feared he would not survive the night.

Thanks to swift intervention and tireless care by shelter staff, Zeus began a long road to recovery. Over the next three months, he gained weight, strength, and his spirit. Today, Zeus is a healthy 40-pound dog — playful, sweet, and ready for adoption into a loving home.

Further investigation uncovered photos from March 2024, showing Zeus healthy and cared for, directly contradicting Bruce’s initial claim that she had found him just two weeks before the incident. These images, along with witness accounts and evidence gathered by the Sheriff’s Office, revealed a pattern of long-term neglect.

Amber Cheyann Bruce was charged with T.C.A. 39-14-202 Animal Cruelty and pled guilty April 24, 2025 in Cumberland County General Sessions Court. She received 11 months and 29 days of supervised probation.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting the welfare of all domestic animals in our community and appreciates the continued support of citizens who speak up when they see something wrong.

Contact the Cumberland County Animal Shelter – Crossville, TN if you are interested in giving Zeus a good home.