Waterbury Police Department received a distressing call about a pregnant pit bull that was found tied to a sign and in active labor.

Officers arrived and carefully removed the dog and brought her in out of the cold and rain. They brought her to BARC Animal Rescue to receive emergency medical care. 

The rescue shared that despite all the pain and suffering the dog has endured she was so relieved when help arrived and "she gently rested her chin on the officer’s shoulder, as if saying 'please, help me.'—-everyone noticed how grateful she was as soon as she recognized they were there to help her."

They believe she was in labor for days and none of her puppies survived. Many died inside of her, and she needed emergency surgery to survive herself. 

"She’s exhausted, dehydrated, and her body is shutting down. The remaining deceased puppies need to be removed, she is at high risk for septic shock," BARC posted.

The rescue called it the "worst case of 2025" and plenty of tears were shed by staff for this sweet mama. They named her Cassie and asked their followers to help save her life by funding her $8,000 medical care. 

The community and followers stepped up in a big way and funded her care. Cassie underwent surgery and is doing much better. Her caretakers posted, "Cassie had a very successful surgery. There’s truly light back in her eyes and we can tell she’s saying THANK YOU to all of you incredible, compassionate angels who donated to her surgery."

She will get to leave her painful past behind her and find a loving home who will cherish her. Thank you to all who helped her. 

Police are still looking for the person responsible and are asking anyone with information to contact the Detective Bureau at (203) 574-6941 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at (203) 755-1234.