“She was removed from her home in Midvale for neglect,” said Lindsey Lewis, TCHS shelter director.
Goldie was tied to a wooden dog house by a three-foot chain which was also used as her collar. She had no food, water or straw.
Goldie was taken last week to the East Holmes Veterinary Clinic in Berlin where she was examined by Veterinarian Amity Wise.
Wise described Goldie as being the skinniest dog she has ever seen, giving her a body score of 1, and stating that because of her current condition she is unable to determine her age.
Goldie was diagnosed with hookworms, two mammary tumors, ear mites, ulcers on her feet and she is heartworm positive.
“It took the veterinary staff 40 cotton swabs to clean Goldie’s compacted ears,” said Lewis. Her ears are permanently scared, shriveled and she is missing all of her teeth except her back molars.
TCHS is seeking monetary donations for Goldie’s veterinary bills which are expected to exceed $1,200. She will need heartworm treatment and her mammary tumors must be biopsied.
While she appears to be a walking skeleton, Goldie has touched the hearts of the TCHS staff members with her will to live.
“She reaches out for affection and has even gained six pounds in less than 24 hours,” said TCHS employee Robyn Filby.
TCHS officials said there is an ongoing active investigation into the matter, and that no charges yet have been filed.
To make a donation for Goldie, checks may be sent to TCHS at 6895 Dover-Zoar Road, Dover, or stop by the Humane Society during its adoption hours, from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
(Times Reporter - Jan 17, 2013)
