 Dog severely emaciated
Westport, NY (US)Date: Jul 12, 2006
Local Map: available
Disposition: Open
Case Images: 1 files available
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
|
|
With red sores all over his back and ribs sticking out from splotchy fur, Dewey, a German shepherd-collie mix pup, stood up and peered out of his freshly washed kennel at the shelter.
From the look in his eye, it seemed like he wanted to romp.
The emaciated animal was coaxed out of the woods last week near Mountain Spring Road in Westport.
Apparently abandoned by the roadside, he was spotted by a summer resident and brought to the animal hospital.
Weighing only 25.2 pounds, Dewey presented the worst case of abuse from neglect that North Country SPCA Director Pam Rock has ever seen.
Normally, a dog Dewey's size would weigh 55 to 60 pounds, she said.
"We have seen different types of animal abuse, but this is the worst. His emaciation was unbelievable. He has no fur on the back of his tail and patches of raw skin on his body."
Dewey has been treated with antibiotics and given several flea baths, but the skin ailment is the result of malnutrition and will take time to heal, Rock said.
"I don't know why people do this."
Since arriving at the shelter about a week ago, the caretakers say Dewey has gained five pounds.
His scrappy, rat-like tail wags anyway, with or without hair.
Soft and fluffy fur around his face rumples when his ears perk up.
"He's a very sweet dog; we call him a stinky sweetie right now because of the condition he was in," Rock said, looking gently at her skimpy charge.
The game plan for the weeks ahead is to get Dewey back in shape.
First, Rock said, North Country SPCA staff will continue to get his weight back up. They will also continue to treat his sores and tattered fur until it grows back.
"We'll get him back up on his feet," Rock said, "and prepare to get him neutered, which wasn't done."
Eventually, the shelter will place Dewey up for adoption.
"He's just a really good dog," Rock said. "But he does have an issue when it comes to food; it's to be expected. He sniffed at an empty wrapper in the waste basket the other day and growled when we went to move it away from him."
The North Country SPCA has documented Dewey's condition and ongoing treatment while authorities search to find who abandoned the dog.
"We are in the process of tracking the owner down now," Rock said. "It will be a few days before we hear."
Annie Stoltie, a member of the shelter's Board of Directors, said neglect, abuse and abandonment are the three cardinal sins of animal ownership and form the foundation of outreach at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
"The NCSPCA does what it can to offer safety to these animals, and to rehabilitate them to where they can learn to trust and become loyal pets for caring owners. Neighbors who allow abuse and neglect to go unreported are as guilty of abandoning the animals as are the owners. The NCSPCA can help, but so must the community."
Anyone with information about Dewey, or who would volunteer to help walk him or some of his shelter friends, can contact the North Country SPCA in Westport at 962-8604. Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
Back to Top References« Back to Search Results
« NY State Animal Cruelty Map
|
