At the Genesee County Animal Control in Flint, Michigan, Friday was a heartbreaking day for rescuers. Two German shepherds were rescued after being abandoned in a pond trapped in a crate.
The puppies, named Ringo and Star, had been trapped in a cage that had been dumped into Thread Lake at the Flint Golf Club. Both dogs, estimated to be between 1.5 to 2 years of age, escaped the cage after several hours, but Ringo got stuck in the mud and was too weak to pull himself out; Star ran off to get help.
A good Samaritan was driving nearby, and Star chased his truck, barking and pleading for help. The good Sam stopped his truck as he felt that something was wrong. Like something out of a movie, Star led him back to the pond to get help for Ringo. Ringo was rescued and brought to the shelter.
Both dogs were in terrible condition – filthy, emaciated, and very weak. Ringo was so weak that he couldn’t even stand, and he had a body score of 1/9. Star has a body score of 2/9.
Our hearts are very heavy today as we did have to humanely euthanize Ringo upon further medical investigation. He was suffering greatly and no longer had quality of life. Not only was he starved, but he also had very advanced pneumonia and a blockage. His stomach was severely swollen with fluid and numerous mammalian bones. Large, splintered pieces of ingested bone had caused GI perforation, a suspected necrotic stomach, and sepsis of the abdomen. He also had severe, long-standing damage to his right rear leg and permanent dislocation of the hip joint. A septic joint and osteomyelitis (severe bone infection) were also found in the right rear leg. He was ultimately too far gone and past the point of intervention.
Who lets a young dog get into this terrible condition of neglect and abuse?
Star is scheduled for emergency surgery to remove the blockage that she has from ingesting animal bones as well. Her prognosis is much better as she does not have any evidence of GI perforation or sepsis at this time. A rescue will be pulling her once she gets clearance from the veterinary hospital she will be going to.
It is hoped Star will survive and find a loving home once she is healthy. Star is expected to have a difficult time facing life without her companion, but her heart and body will heal with time.
If anybody has information about where these dogs came from or who they belonged to, please contact 911 and our dispatch team at 810-732-1660, extension 2. Your report will remain anonymous.
Thank you so much to all who played a part in rescuing these dogs and getting them to safety. You are heroes.
Rest in peace Ringo.
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So cute
Flowers taste good!
