A happy ending for Scrim the dog: the escaped Terrier finds his home and extended family

Scrim the Escape Artist: A Tail of Resilience and Redemption in New Orleans

After nearly a year of evading capture and surviving unimaginable odds, Scrim, the famed terrier from New Orleans, has found a permanent home – but not without a dramatic custody battle that captivated the public's attention. Scrim’s story is one of perseverance, community, and ultimately, compromise, as he navigates his way into a new chapter of life surrounded by an extended family.

The Wild Journey of Scrim

Scrim, a wiry terrier with an unyielding spirit, first caught the attention of New Orleans in 2023 when he made his escape from multiple homes, becoming a local legend for his incredible ability to flee and avoid capture. His story began in a southeastern Louisiana trailer park on Halloween 2023, where Scrim was found wandering the streets alone. After being brought into the care of Michelle Cheramie, the owner of Zeus' Rescues, the resilient dog went on to embark on his most challenging escape yet.

In November 2023, Scrim made a dramatic escape from Cheramie’s home by chewing through a second-floor window screen and leaping a staggering 13 feet onto a driveway. His flight set off a frantic search throughout New Orleans, as volunteers and animal lovers worked tirelessly to locate him. Despite numerous attempts, Scrim remained elusive, often showing up on doorbell camera videos and avoiding baited traps.

Scrim’s journey became a media sensation, drawing national and international attention as people watched his every move. Over the months, he survived extreme conditions, including the high summer heat, the aftermath of Hurricane Francine, and even possible injuries inflicted by an air pellet gun. Scrim’s adventures earned him a viral following on social media, with many rooting for his safe return.

A Dog, a Rescue, and a Controversial Decision

After months of roaming the streets, Scrim was finally captured on February 11, 2025. He had crawled into a trap set for cats, seemingly hungry and tired from his long journey. He was returned to Cheramie, who had been his rescuer and caretaker during his many trials. A veterinary examination revealed that Scrim was suffering from tapeworms and intestinal parasites but was otherwise in good health.

At this point, Scrim was still in high demand for adoption. Tammy Murray and Freba Maulauizada, two local animal advocates who had dedicated significant time and effort to finding Scrim, were among the first to express their desire to adopt him. After an extensive application process, Zeus' Rescues approved their adoption request, and it seemed like Scrim had found his new forever home.

However, in a shocking twist, Cheramie announced on February 18, 2025, that she had decided to keep Scrim for herself. She explained that after spending more time with him, Scrim had bonded closely with her own dog, Scooby, and had even been accepted by her cats. This change of heart sparked outrage on social media, with many accusing Cheramie of being selfish and prioritizing her own emotional attachment over Scrim’s well-being.

The Backlash and Public Outcry

Murray and Maulauizada, who had invested months in searching for Scrim, were devastated by Cheramie’s decision. On social media, Murray expressed her heartbreak, describing herself as “devastated and really speechless” after the news broke. She had been working with the rescue group and had even made the adoption official, only to see her hopes dashed.

The public’s reaction was swift and intense. Supporters of Murray and Maulauizada flooded the internet with accusations against Cheramie, calling her decision “selfish” and even suggesting that she saw Scrim as a “meal ticket,” referring to the viral media attention surrounding his escapades. Many pointed out that Cheramie, as the head of a local animal rescue, should have put Scrim’s best interests first and followed through with the adoption agreement.

The Resolution: A Solution for Scrim the dog

Amid the online chaos, Murray and Maulauizada decided to take a different approach. They wanted to focus on what was truly best for Scrim, rather than fueling the animosity. The three parties—Cheramie, Murray, and Maulauizada—came together in a conciliatory video, with Scrim nestled comfortably in Cheramie’s lap. In this video, Murray and Maulauizada expressed their hope that the public would focus on Scrim’s well-being and not the drama surrounding his adoption.

Murray, holding back tears, pleaded with the public: “Please, please … do not hate. It doesn’t get us anywhere, and it feels awful.” She went on to apologize for the statement that had triggered the backlash, acknowledging that her words had contributed to the divisiveness. She ended the video by emphasizing that the focus should always be on Scrim’s happiness, which was now guaranteed in Cheramie’s care.

Cheramie, for her part, defended her decision to keep Scrim, explaining that she was not influenced by his viral fame but rather by the deep connection she had formed with him. She praised Murray and Maulauizada for their “honest and open” communication and expressed her gratitude for their understanding. Cheramie’s priority, she stressed, was Scrim’s well-being, and she was committed to ensuring he had a loving and stable home.

The Final Chapter: Scrim’s New Life

In the end, the resolution came with an agreement that allowed Scrim to stay with Cheramie while still maintaining a strong connection with Murray and Maulauizada. The two women dropped their adoption claim, choosing instead to stay involved in Scrim’s life as part of his extended family. The drama subsided, and Scrim’s story, once full of tension and controversy, found a peaceful conclusion.

This heartwarming conclusion to Scrim’s tumultuous journey highlights the power of community, compassion, and compromise. While the public drama surrounding his adoption may have overshadowed his story for a time, the most important thing is that Scrim now has a home where he is loved and cared for.

Lessons from Scrim’s Story

Scrim’s journey serves as a reminder of the emotional ties pets create with their humans and the lengths people will go to for the animals they love. Whether it’s through rescue efforts, the desire to adopt, or the outpouring of online support, Scrim’s story captivated hearts around the world. But it also teaches us about the complexities of pet ownership and the importance of considering what’s truly best for the animals in our care.

For Scrim, the road may have been long, but he now has a family that will stand by him, ensuring he enjoys the life he deserves. And perhaps, just as importantly, the public’s final message was clear: Scrim’s happiness should always come first.