Adoption offers pour in for puppy named 'Razz Berry' dropped at shelter in cereal box

Nearly 100 people inquired about adopting the Maltese and Yorkie mix.

July 18, 2019, 5:58 PM

A puppy who got her name for being brought to a shelter in a Cap'n Crunch box, has found a loving family and forever home.

Nearly 100 people inquired about adopting "Razz Berry," a Maltese and Yorkie mix, but it was the Sheets family of Riverside, California, who won the lottery held by Riverside County Animal Services.

Razz Berry, whose name is now spelled Raspberry, gained attention on social media after Riverside County Animal Services posted a tweet that included a heartbreaking image of the 10-week-old pup inside a cereal box.

"Everybody thought the dog [in the photo] was fake, but this is a real dog," said John Welsh, spokesman for Riverside County Animal Services. "She had a little separation anxiety, but kind of outgrew that. She's super playful, fun and affectionate. She loves being held."

Welsh told "Good Morning America" that Raspberry was surrendered by a person who claimed to have found the dog in the park. Raspberry was covered in fleas, which is why the person may have used the cereal box to hand her off to shelter staff.

PHOTO: Hundreds inquired about adopting Razz Berry, a Maltese and Yorkie mix, but it was the Sheets family of Riverside, California, who won the lottery held by Riverside County Animal Services
Hundreds inquired about adopting Razz Berry, a Maltese and Yorkie mix, but it was the Sheets family of Riverside, California, who won the lottery held by Riverside County Animal Services
Teresa Sheets

The shelter held a lottery last week. The family who held the highest poker chips would get the chance to adopt Raspberry.

Teresa and James Sheets of Riverside, California, along with their 16-year-old son Hayden, pulled number 96 -- making them the lucky family to bring Raspberry home.

PHOTO: Razz Berry, a 10-week-old a Maltese and Yorkie mix, is now a proud member of the Sheets family after her story gained attention on social media
Razz Berry, a 10-week-old a Maltese and Yorkie mix, is now a proud member of the Sheets family after her story gained attention on social media
Teresa Sheets

Sadly, the Sheets had just lost their dog, a Puggle named Ginger, who died of old age. Teresa Sheets told "GMA" she had saw Raspberry's picture on Facebook before inquiring about adoption.

PHOTO: Razz Berry, whose name is now spelled Raspberry, is now best buds with her owner, Hayden Sheets, 16, of Riverside, Calif.
Razz Berry, whose name is now spelled Raspberry, is now best buds with her owner, Hayden Sheets, 16, of Riverside, Calif.
Teresa Sheets

"I read about it on my newsfeed and said, 'Oh that poor baby'" Sheets recalled." Hayden said he was ready for another dog, even though he was sad about [losing] Ginger."

Hayden and Raspberry are now best buddies and Raspberry follows him wherever he goes.

PHOTO: Hundreds inquired about adopting Razz Berry, who was dropped to Riverside County Animal Services in Calif., in a cereal box.
Hundreds inquired about adopting Razz Berry, who was dropped to Riverside County Animal Services in Calif., in a cereal box.
Andrea Franco/Riverside County Animal Services

"She's amazing for Hayden," Sheets said. "Hayden said, 'I want her to love me more than she loves you.' I said, 'OK the way to do that is to feed her and do the training.' And he does."

Raspberry is happy in her new home, and is getting to know the family's other dog, Pepper.