MERRIAM, KS – At 9:15 AM this morning, a volunteer walking a dog down the drive to Animal Haven saw something rustling in the leaves and dirt. At first glance, you could hardly tell it was a dog. Matted so severely, its head could not be discerned from the rest of its body. Mats covered both eyes. A terrible stench came from the maggots in an open wound on one leg. Unable to see or walk normally this dog had been tied to a tree and abandoned by his owner outside the gates of the shelter.
How long it had been there was not known. “Because of the hair color and mats it blended in with the mulch under the tree. Additionally, because of how the dog was tied and his condition, the dog could not stand,” said Denny Moriarty, the shelter’s Director of Operations.
Staff Veterinarian Bonnie Dechant, who began attending to the dog immediately, was initially unsure of its prognosis. “For a pet to get to this degree of neglect, it takes many, many months,” said Dechant. “We will know more at the end of the day,” she said as she prepared to stabilize and then anesthetize the dog to begin further evaluation and treatment.
If anyone has any information regarding this dog they are encouraged to let Animal Haven or the Merriam Police Department know.
“The act of dumping dogs is nothing new to Animal Haven,” said Eric Hacker, also with Animal Haven. “This is a severe case but unfortunately not unusual. Donations are needed so that we may continue to help these abused, abandoned, and unwanted pets. We rely on public support.” If there is one thing for people to take away from a situation like this it is to be proactive. When a person finds themselves in a situation where they cannot care for a pet, they need to look for resources to help now.
17 Comments
My heart simply breaks for this little creature. I simply am at a loss for words for the human being that could put an animal…any animal…into the position this dog found itself.
I appreciate all that Animal Haven does to turn these potential tragedies into hopeful futures. Thank you for reminding us how cruel some humans can be, and likewise, showing us how much compassion these dogs you save really deserve in the forever-homes they eventually wind up in.
Sincerely, Bryce Holt (proud owner of Daisy, a rat terrier that Animal Haven saved)
I saw this news article on our rolling news tape (I work for a brokerage firm) in between all the financial news.
How sad. Heartbreaking! I hope he can be saved and rewarded with a good home.
Our local Vet came to work one day last October to find a cat sealed up in a cardboard box at the door. She, however, was in perfect shape and appeared to be well cared for. No note – no nothing.
The Vet practice kept her as their “house” cat. Named her Pumpkin as it was Halloween time. At least one happy ending.
I have heard this is more and more common due to economic conditions.
Sincerely,
Carol Gillespie and Don Gillespie (proud owners of 5 cats (one special needs) and 7 rescued Eastern Box turtles (injured from golf course).
I’m a voulenteer at Animal Haven and I would love to see who could do this terrible act of cruelty to this poor defensless dog…and do the same thing to them…I just hope we can save this living creature.
This is very very sad how could anyone do this to any animal, they should be given the same treatment and just left to rot!!!!
Oh this poor baby! I will never be able to wrap my mind around the cruelty that humans can inflict on animals. God Bless you all for helping this Dog!
Let me know if we can help.
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org
My husband Terry and I LOVE Animal Haven and have adopted a cat we named “Casey K.C.-135″ and we love her to pieces. She is a muted tortie and she just loves it here in our home. She is loved and well taken care of. I hope this dear sweet dog gets a Great home too and God Bless his foster parents….Carol
I adopted a dog from Animal Haven who is my littl ebuddy. He never leaves my side. Animal Haven takes great care of their animals and luckily this dog was found and saved. He is adorable adn hopefully will find a home soon! Animal cruelty is unbelievable!
My husband and I adopted “Roo” (she’s a visula/retriever) from A.H. 18 months ago. She is the light of my life. I often have ‘bad days’ healthwise. “Roo” and her step brother (boxer-lab), “Tigger” are what motivate me to keep moving. They take care of me just as much as I take care of them. I love Animal Haven for all they do, and especially for allowing us to give my “Girlie-Girl” a home. Every animal has a purpose! Every animal has a heart!!
WOW! What a horrific act! Poor little guy was treated terrible, HOWEVER, something or somebody was on his side as he was found by the Animal Haven staff! They are incredible and loving and Billie B is testiment to that. My family adopted Kimble back in May and he is the boss of our house. Animal Haven gave us and our new family addition lots of love and happiness!
Thank you Animal Haven for everything you have done and for everything Billie B has received!!!! All of you are angels!!!
It is so sad to see this poor pup and other animals abused this way. But this dog was blessed for being left at Animal Haven, you guys are amazing! We adopted Monroe and he is the best dog ever! Thank you AH for all you do!
What kind of human would even posess a pet that they do not have the means or heart to care for? It is a painful proccess for a pet to go through if it is being neglected, such as the womb this precious pet had to deal with alone as if he could help himself. Animal haven has sso many wonderful, loving and caring people there that donate their time to care for these animals we eventually call our “Best Friends”. My family and I have adopted two cats from animal haven in a year and half period, we were so touched by the concern of everyone here that it really makes it hard to leave without bring a new friend home to love and care for as you would a child, However they are cheaper than my kids. I am so happy he now can know what love is with his new family. Animal haven you are Heaven to all animals that come through your doors.
Loving and caring for animals is a blessing of its own.
Christina S.
For my cousin’s 60th it just made sense to “pay it forward” rather than buy yet another necklace or pair of earrings. This is a gift that gives back ten fold. I feel good knowing that I helped a living creature in some small way in honor of this milestone in my loved one’s life! The holidays are just around the corner….. <3
OMG!!! When is this going to stop? I am most prayerful for the safety of our pets as I am for humanity. One thing that bothers me more than anything is violence against helpless creatures, whether it be a child, elderly or animals. I adopted “Buddie” from A.H. last August with a similar story, as I’m sure most of us have this factor in common, and it tears me up on the inside. What can we as a community, city, state and nation do to stand up for our abused pets? We will go all out for the safety of everything else, but will simply cry in awe about these creatures and do absolutely nothing. This is a serious issue. I know society at large thinks that our nation is economically suffering and most can’t afford a pet. But, think of it, we spend way beyond our means to a degree of no return, but we won’t invest in the future of a pet that will definitely yeild the return…which is LOVE, and that you can not buy-only return it! God bless those who care and provide for our little furry friends!
I pray almost every day for ourhomelesss animals. Thanks for all you do at AH. And this little guy will get a good forever home, he sooo deserves it after what he’s been through…
I am crying as I write this. I volenteer at Animal Haven and did not hear the whole story before. If I could only bring back my Molly who I had to make comfortable forever last Christmas. These poor creatures depend on us for everything and then people treat them this way.
Nickey, You took the words right out of my mouth. Another innocent child gone missing and another innocent animal beaten, and left to die. This world is going crazy, and our innocent ones are the targets. God help them and look over them.
Has this dog been rehabilatated yet? What happened to him?
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