Horribly neglected, 17-pound dog, found on city sidewalk

On Saturday, a horribly neglected dog, weighing just 17 pounds, was found on a city sidewalk in Paterson, New Jersey. The Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge announced that the emaciated dog, dubbed Reese, was in the midst of being rescued on December 28:

URGENT Rescue In Progress!

There are no words – “an emaciated dog in need of urgent medical care” just doesn’t speak to the state that we found Reese in.  The photo came in, and our hearts sank as we saw this sweet soul, skin and bones, just lying there helpless in desperate need. We acted immediately and joined with our rescue partners at Jersey Pits Rescue. Reese is now being rushed to Oradell Animal Hospital

Little is known about what happened to Reese, or what led her to the city sidewalk. After she was taken to a veterinarian, testing confirmed that her dismal physical state is the result of starvation. The animal welfare agency writes:

Our hearts break for her and what she has endured, but her courage, desire for affection, and yearning to crawl into the laps of her rescuers leave us in awe of her.

On Monday, the shelter provided an update, writing:

Reese is 2-5 years old and weighs 17 lbs. You read correctly, 17 lbs. Despite her deplorable condition, she has wagged her tail and has given kisses, showing the true kindness and forgiving nature of animals. Reese is currently stable, but she is experiencing some of the expected complications from introducing fluids and nutrition after long term starvation.

Reese is suffering from anemia and may require a blood transfusion. Donation for her care are being accepted at the shelter’s Facebook page here.

Yesterday: Fire destroys home for elderly, disabled and terminally ill dogs

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