In Arlington, Virginia veterinarians are sharing the details of  what happened to a beagle mix, and how she was assaulted with a broom handle, one of the worst cases of animal abuse and cruelty they have ever seen. When Homeward Trails Animal Rescue decided to tell the story of a recently rescued dog from a shelter in Isle of Wight County, the organization didn’t want to do it for the shock value; instead as a message of compassion and kindness helping those who cannot help themselves:

 “We brace ourselves for sad stories in this work. We try to move through that part and get to the part where we get to balance that equation with outstanding love and care. Like Mr. Rogers used to tell his preschool viewers, ‘When you see something really scary on the news, look for the helpers. There are always helpers.’ Well. The story of the abuse of Huggles is a very disturbing one, and we are sorry to have to tell it to you. But we need to be the helpers.”

And so when Huggles came into the shelter in mid June, she had been in pain and appeared to have had a uterine infection. Veterinarians spayed her and started her on a series of antibiotics, and even though for the short time she improved, it wasn’t long before her condition worsened. When her foster mom noticed Huggles had been bleeding heavily from her vulva and had become listless, she consulted with the rescue’s partner veterinarian.

Shocking news! Radiographs performed showed the dog had been assaulted with a broom handle; the plastic part of the handle had broken off inside of her causing a “horrific infection.”

“There is no other explanation for the internal damage the vets saw, and the handle inside this dog,” posted Homeward Trails Animal Rescue on their Facebook page. “It is hard to live in a world where people do this kind of thing. And we can all just crumple to the floor and give up. Or we can give into rage. Or we can make the only sustaining choice, the only choice that makes it possible to keep going: We can be the helpers.”

Fortunately Huggles was treated in time, and now she is on the road to a healthy recovery. There has been no information about the person responsible for the heinous deed. Huggle had been brought into the shelter as a stray. A $200 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved.

Although there have been a few people on social media suggesting the dog’s story was too disturbing to post on social media, Homeward Trails Animal Rescue stated they appreciated the feedback, however while needing to raise the necessary funding for the dog’s expensive surgery and her aftercare, also on the agenda was making the public more aware of promoting efforts for stricter penalties for animal abuse and cruelty.

“Unless people are aware of actual incidents such as this one, they may not feel efforts to promote stricter penalties are worthwhile. And sadly, if we are to help these animals over choosing to euthanize them due to costs, we must rely on our wonderful, understanding supporters who make it all possible. And we do take great care not to post graphic photos that most would find offensive, including in this particular case. And sadly, we had many graphic photos.”

Get well soon Huggle. As soon as veterinarians give this dog a clean bill of health, she will be available for adoption.

Photos courtesy of Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. Subscribe to the Pet Rescue Report and never miss  important animal related news.

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