In Sacramento, California, a 1-year-old German Shepherd puppy was found after suffering from third degree burns.
“What it looks like is perhaps a hot liquid…it could’ve been just boiling hot water across the top of the dog’s back,” explained Gina Knepp, director at the Front Street Animal Shelter, in a KCRA 3 news story.
Found by a passerby at a park, the woman realized the dog was injured and called the police.
“We saw this dog weaving through traffic. It was heartbreaking because we have pets,” recalled the dog’s rescuer, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Shelter staff say that the pup also has road rash on her head, indicating that she was probably tossed from a vehicle after being burned. She now wears a vest over the blisters that cover her back, and a cone to prevent her from licking her wounds.
But despite a horrific past, this persevering pooch is healing wonderfully at the shelter.
“She’s doing really well, and she’s a happy girl,” Knepp said.
It’s plain to see from her relaxed expression and wagging tail that she really loves getting attention from people!
Police are investigating the case and searching for the GSD’s original owners and/or abusers. Knepp said that they’d “really like to get to the bottom of it.” If the abusers are caught and convicted, they could be facing felony charges for animal cruelty.
(Note: Anyone with information on this sweet pup should contact the shelter at (916) 808-7387.)
This smiling girl is not yet listed on the shelter’s adoption site, as they will probably wait until she is fully recovered. Hopefully, they’ll also be able to find out more about her past.
In the meantime, the pup–who has yet to be named–is just as happy as any 1-year-old puppy! There is no doubt that her bright spirit is the reason she is healing so nicely. Isn’t it amazing how resilient dogs are?
We are so glad that this baby is now in the arms of safety, and hope that one day, she finds her perfect forever home!
Click here to see the original news story on KCRA 3.
