Two pit bulls owned by Frank and Cynthia Hayward have been returned to the Humane Society of Calvert County, where they will be taken care of until family members decide whether to keep them or put them up for adoption.

The two pit bulls, Steele and Sky, belonged to Frank Hayward Jr., 32, who authorities believe killed himself after killing his wife, Cynthia, 31, and their 2-year-old daughter, Natalee, last Tuesday, inside their Owings home. The Haywards’ 12-year-old son, Frank Hayward III, was found alive inside the home with cuts to his neck and severe burns. He was taken to Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C, where he is currently receiving treatment. Sheriff Mike Evans (R) said Monday morning that Frank Hayward III’s “condition has improved but he’s not out of the woods yet.”

On the day of the murder-suicide, one of the dogs was immediately taken into animal control custody, and the other was found later that same day in the Calvert community.

Crystal Hunt, public information officer for Charles County Government, said two pit bulls, Steele and Sky, were brought July 31 to the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville by Calvert County Animal Control.

“The dogs were brought to the Tri-County Animal Shelter to be placed on a safehold, which is when dogs … are removed from a bad situation and are held in custody until next of kin can make a decision,” Hunt said.

The two dogs were housed at the shelter until Friday, when they were released to the Calvert County Humane Society. Hunt said the humane society had sent a letter to Calvert County Animal Control requesting the dogs be returned to the organization. Animal control officials approved the humane society’s request, Hunt said, and the animals were transferred Friday morning.

“They were the approval authority in this situation,” Hunt said of animal control. “We were the holding facility.”

Kirstyn Northrop Cobb of the Calvert County Humane Society said the Haywards had not yet officially adopted Steele from them because the paperwork had not been completed but had been fostering the dog for about two weeks. She said the family had adopted Sky from the humane society several years ago. When Steele and Sky were both returned to the humane society Friday at about 11 a.m., they were “relaxed and doing well,” she said.

“They were initially very nervous,” she said. “The minute that they got out and saw where they were and were with people that really liked them, they were much happier.”

Cobb said it’s good for the dogs “to be around people they know” and to be in a place where they are safe until the Haywards’ relatives can decide what they would like to do with the animals.

“The family absolutely has a say in what happens to the dogs,” she said, adding that the dogs will not be placed up for adoption unless the family says that is what they want done.

kfitzpatrick@somdnews.com

Community helping

Members of the community are putting together fundraisers to benefit Frank Hayward III. These are the events that The Calvert Recorder is aware of. Anyone who is aware of other events can contact Editor Rob Perry at rperry@somdnews.com and Staff Writer Katie Fitzpatrick at kfitzpatrick@somdnews.com.

Isabella and Hannah Lunczynski have set up a lemonade stand on Chaneyville Road in Owings near Friday’s Creek Winery. Since last Thursday, the sisters have raised more than $1,400 to benefit Frank Hayward III and they are trying to reach their goal of $2,000.

The Travis Adams Band, a local band based out of Huntingtown, is hosting a benefit from 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, to 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11 at Anthony’s Bar and Grille in Dunkirk. Proceeds from T-shirt sales and a raffle will be given to the Hayward family. Travis Adams said the band is working on selling tickets for the rest of the month to benefit Frank Hayward III.

The Suntrust Bank in Prince Frederick is accepting donations for Frank Hayward III. To donate, visit the bank and ask to make a donation to the account they have set up.

The Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department has planned its first Cash Bash Fundraiser for Sept. 22 and 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Hayward family. The fundraiser will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 22 and tickets are $100, which includes an all-you-can-eat buffet. Cash prizes will be given at the event and there will also be raffles, pull-tabs and door prizes. For more information, visit www.supportdunkirk5.org.

There will be a benefit ride for the Hayward family Sunday, Sept. 30. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m.; kick stands go up at 11:30 at Vera’s Beach Club Restaurant and Marina. There will be two stops, at Calypso Bay in Deale and Traders Restaurant, before ending at Vera’s with a party starting at 4 p.m. Cost is $10 per bike, $5 per additional rider. All money will be donated to the family. The event is sponsored by Vera’s Beach Club. At the after party, there will be a 50/50 raffle, plus plenty of door prizes. Vera’s will donate $1 for every Orange Crush and Skittle Bomb sold, as well as 50 cents for every Bud Light. For more information, call 443-532-1309.

There will be a classic car and bike show to benefit the family of Frank Hayward III from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Sneade’s Ace Home Center in Lusby. There will be entertainment for kids, a raffle, a silent auction and more. Registration fee for cars and bikes is $20. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 10; cars and bikes will be judged at noon. The family of Frank Hayward III also will judge the cars and award the best-looking car a special trophy. There will be a donation table at each event.