It appears he had been used for dogfighting bait as indicated by the scratches on his face and body. Unlike most of the unfortunate dognapped, Hambone was dumped - probably because of his gentle nature - and not killed. (I was lucky enough to adopt a pit bull found on the street for this very reason.) Don't despair - this story has an against-all-odds, oddly serendipitous ending that is just the beginning for more than a few, starting outside a Hollywood 7-11, stopping in Studio City, and culminating Saturday at Lake Hollywood.

It's been a long six weeks but our little guy found his way home. As many of our readers following The Hambone Chronicles know, it was Damien Rinaldi who found and returned him safely to owner Eric Leemon. On Saturday, we celebrated:

Hambone would like to take the time to thank each and every one of you personally for keeping the faith and helping to bring him home. He will be meeting and greeting from 1-3pm tomorrow, at the Lake Hollywood park. Also, we will be collecting to help out Damian Rinaldi, the hero who saved Hambone, as he is in need of a helping hand and we're doing what we can in order to return the favor.

Eric, Damien, and Chris DeRose of Last Chance for Animals held a press conference that gave thanks, shed light on dog theft and dogfighting, and finally, recounted the story of Damien, who reluctantly accepted a 5K check. Many of LAist's commenters had asked about fundraising for Damien, who had been training for the Olympics before being struck by a hit and run driver, leaving him with a broken femur, rods in his leg, and 60K worth of medical bills. During the press conference, both Eric and Chris reiterated how Damien did not want the money, insisting that it go to a worthier cause. "I'd rather the money go to someone who needs it," he told me afterwards. If you wish to donate to the as-yet-unnamed Damien fund, please give Last Chance for Animals a call, or contact me and I'll put you in touch. A beginning donation box was on site.

In the meantime, Hambone sat patiently as the ceremony unfolded, then modestly met with a few of his fans until it was time to finally chew on a tennis ball that he'd had his eye on and romp through the park.

Hambone photo courtesy Eric Leemon; all others by Donna Lethal for LAist.