Good Samaritan Rescues Neglected, Wounded Dog Wandering in City Park
Guest Contributor
This story was submitted by Lindsey Heaney from our shelter friend, the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, which saves pets’ lives in the Tacoma, Washington area. The Animal Rescue Site is proud to share their stories. You can learn more about their work here!
In early May, a community member found a severely emaciated dog with several wounds on its legs and paws at Celebration Park in Federal Way, Washington.
PHOTO: HUMANE SOCIETY FOR TACOMA & PIERCE COUNTYThe 3-year-old pit bull, now named Ari, was found with deep, bleeding wounds on his legs with one paw pad hanging off his foot. He weighed 30 pounds, which is half the weight needed to be considered healthy for this age and breed.
“We found him laying right next to the trail,” says Shannice Johnson, the community member who found Ari. “He was so skinny and was having a hard time walking. He could barely lift up his head. I knew we couldn’t leave him there and he needed help.”
Ari was brought to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County where he is currently receiving care.
PHOTO: HUMANE SOCIETY FOR TACOMA & PIERCE COUNTYAri arrived to the shelter exhausted and cold due to a lack of body fat and muscle atrophy. The shelter’s veterinary staff immediately started cleaning his wounds and wrapping them to avoid infection.
“This is amongst one of the worst cases I have ever seen,” says Jennifer Bennett, chief veterinary officer at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. “The dog remained in this condition for far too long. This does not happen overnight. It occurs after weeks or months of neglect.”
Ari is now on a refeeding program to ensure he does not become sick and is receiving regular bandage changes for his wounds.
PHOTO: HUMANE SOCIETY FOR TACOMA & PIERCE COUNTYIf you'd like to help provide lifesaving care for Ari and other pets in need at the shelter, you can donate here.
This story was submitted by Lindsey Heaney from our shelter friend the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County in Tacoma, Washington. Learn more about them here!
