Family sought for abused dog
By Christine keeling
Youngstown
Two neglected dogs are safe at Angels for Animals after being found in the city.
Information is being sought regarding the owners of a male black shepherd mix found Thursday on the city’s North Side and a female Shih Tzu found Friday near Youngstown State University.
The shepherd mix was found with his collar embedded one inch into his neck, and the Shih Tzu was found completely covered in fecal matter and suffering from a ruptured eye.
“Her paws looked burnt, she had matted hair and something was wrong with her left eye,” said Mahoning County Dog Warden Dave Nelson. “She smelled like solvent.”
Nelson believes the dog had been set on fire and searched the area with Youngstown police officers. They found an abandoned house at 37 Linden which contained seven empty animal carriers. The carriers were removed from the house.
Kate McDermott, general manager at Angels for Animals, said what looked like diesel fuel or oil on the dog turned out to be fecal matter. She said the Shih Tzu is very emaciated, covered in fleas and has a ruptured eye.
“We’re trying for survival at this point,” McDermott said.
The dog had to be groomed before medical attention could be given to it.
Limerick, the black shepherd mix dog, is resting comfortably, she said.
“He’s doing great today,” said McDermott. “He was so happy to be around people.”
Limerick underwent surgery Thursday to remove his collar. McDermott said the wound was covered with maggots but appears to be healing nicely.
She said she believes someone put the collar on the dog when it weighed only 10 to 15 pounds and never loosened it. Limerick now weighs 45 pounds.
Angels for Animals is looking for a foster or adoptive family for Limerick. He should be ready to leave in about a week.
Anyone who has information on the owners of either of these dogs can call the Mahoning County dog warden at 330-740-2205.