In West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, a heartbreaking discovery was made last week during a routine traffic stop; breaking hearts across the country. A nine-month-old puppy named Sprout, had been in the backseat of the car which had been pulled over for speeding. The officer noticed the dog – little more than skin draped across her skeleton and barely able to walk.
Sprout was rushed to the Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital. She had been so severely neglected, veterinarians who treated her, stated the dog would have died within 48 hours had she not been rescued and brought in for emergency treatment.
Sprout received a blood transfusion because she had been so severely anemic.
- The driver, a 28-year-old Taunton resident, identified as Sprout’s owner, reportedly told shelter staff he had not fed the dog at all, citing a lack of time and money. He faces animal cruelty charges; his name has not yet been released.
- Sprout remains in the care of the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (APCSM), where her condition is slowly improving. She is being introduced to food slowly as not to cause overeating syndrome and has been receiving around-the-clock care.
- Despite what the puppy has been through in her short life, she remains incredibly sweet and just wants to be hugged and loved.
Her photos are difficult to look at but they show the reality of the suffering she’s endured.
- If you can donate to the rescue organization’s emergency Life is Precious fund, please do. If you can’t, please share.
- HOW TO HELP:
- 1. Donate online with NO FEES using Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/life-is-precious
- 2. Donate online via Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1112737437391274/
- 3. Venmo us @APCSM. Please write Sprout in the notes.
- 4. Mail a check payable to APCSM, sent to 1300 West Elm St Ext, Brockton MA 02301 — write Sprout in the memo line
- 5. Call us 1–5 PM on Tue, Fri, Sat & Sun at 508-586-2053
The shelter has urged anyone who is struggling to care for their pets to reach out for resources.
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook for the latest animal related news.
