Puppy found on roadside with gunshot wound
Lithia, FL (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Mar 19, 2006
County: Hillsborough
Disposition: Open
Case Images: 1 files available
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
Animal control is investigating what appears to be a terrible case of animal abuse. Kelleigh Mills says she was on her way home from the store around 6:30 March 19, 2006 when she spotted a little puppy alongside Keysville Road in Lithia.
""When I went up to him, he was wagging his tail, he tried to stand up, but I could tell there was something wrong with his foot."" It turns out the puppy, now nicknamed Miles, has a back leg broken in three spots and bad damage to ligaments around his knee. After an x-ray, doctors also discovered a BB lodged in his abdomen. "The doctor says that's most likely from point blank range… he's been though a lot. He probably has been nursing these injuries for a while, and has been in a lot of pain, and hadn't eaten. He was just eaten up with worms, and the dehydration alone could have killed him. They were really surprised he was still alive."
Miles in now receiving top notch care from an orthopedic specialist, Doctor Callum Hay, who must first address Miles' infection before performing surgery on Wednesday. But the care comes with a cost… as much as five thousand dollars just to start. "It wasn't really a decision, it was just this is what we need to do." Kelleigh is receiving help from clients at work, and from Amy Johnston, an animal activist who helps find homes for abused animals. "It just breaks my heart. Its not talked about often, but it happens every day."
Kelleigh and Amy are doing everything they can to ensure Miles is able to survive. After that they're looking for a home, where Miles can get the love he so badly deserves. "As soon as we find him a good home… he'll make someone a wonderful pet. He's worth it, definitely worth it."
To make a donation or to get information on how to adopt Miles, contact Veterinary Surgical Services in Tampa at (813) 901-5100. If you have information on this case, please contact:
Vet Surgical Services
813) 901-5100
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