Buddy, Credit: Dante's Hope - Animal Rescue East
The sweet pup's face caught the eye of a woman walking past him in a St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana mobile home park during a rainstorm last week.
And that moment is when this dog’s life began to change from absolutely hideous to hopeful.
The woman picked up the dachshund mix and was shocked to find the dog didn't have any back legs. He appeared to have been dumped there. She had no luck finding the dog’s owner so she got in touch with the rescue group Dante's Hope - Animal Rescue East.
Buddy, Credit: Dante's Hope - Animal Rescue East
The group immediately brought the dog, they're now calling Buddy, to the animal hospital.
That's where the rescue says they got horrifying news: the vet believes someone sawed off the dog's back legs.
“One leg is cut off at the hip, the other still has about an inch of bone. It’s a clean-cut,” Gina Polk, from Dante's Hope-Animal Rescue East, told Watchdog Mary.
Polk said Buddy was also examined by another expert who reached the same conclusion.
Buddy, Credit: Dante's Hope - Animal Rescue East
The rescue says it was a horror show. “The pain in his eyes the day we got him said it all,” Polk said.
Buddy was clinging to life. He had a raging infection and needed a blood transfusion, IV’s, antibiotics and round the clock care to survive.
X-rays revealed the dog was also shot twice. The bullets are still lodged in his back end.
X-ray showing bullet lodged in Buddy's back. Credit: Dante's Hope - Animal Rescue East
Despite the young dog’s condition, the rescue says he’s incredibly sweet. “From the second we got him he has been thankful. He is perfect,” Polk said.
Buddy, Credit: Dante's Hope - Animal Rescue East
Everyone at the vet’s office appears to have fallen in love with him. He has an amazing will to live.
Three people are now facing animal cruelty charges in connection with Buddy’s case.
Today the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office issued a news release saying, a 50-year-old woman two teenagers were arrested.
Investigators say they knew Buddy was shot months ago, but the owners did not seek proper medical care for the dog.
The news release says: “As a result of being shot, Buddy suffered partial paralysis in his hind legs and was unable to walk. The dog’s legs dragged behind him, causing sores on his legs. Its owners, a 50-year-old Slidell woman, and her 17-year-old daughter told detectives the dog’s legs ‘fell off’ after they bandaged them too tight.”
But after detectives interviewed a board-certified veterinarian orthopedic surgeon who reviewed Buddy’s case they came to a different conclusion. They say the wounds on the dog’s hind legs were “maliciously inflicted,” and not removed by a veterinary professional nor by natural means.
“As a dog owner myself, I was completely appalled when we received a complaint of such horrific animal cruelty in our community. Our investigators acted swiftly, and the parties responsible have been charged accordingly,” St. Tammany Sheriff, Randy Smith said.
Buddy, Credit: Dante's Hope - Animal Rescue East
Some companies that make dog carts and prosthetic devices have offered their help as well. “He has to have the piece of bone removed and healed before he can be fitted,” Polk said.
Buddy will have surgery next week. The rescue hopes he recovers as well as he can and promises to keep everyone updated.
If you would like to donate toward Buddy’s care the rescue set up this fundraiser.
The St. Tammany Parish sheriff’s office says anyone with information about this case or any instance of cruelty to animals should contact the sheriff’s office at 985-898-2338 or animal services: 985-809-0183.
