Oswego County woman, Deena Rossi, faces animal cruelty charge for starving dog, supporters stand up for Apollo

NEW YORK -- Hundreds of people from across the country are following the story of an Oswego County dog who was found nearly starved to death last month in New Haven.

Apollo, a 4-year-old Labrador mix, was found on Dec. 11 weighing 29 pounds, less than half of what he should weigh, with a body temperature more than 10 degrees below normal.

"We didn't think he would make it through the night," said Marjorie Wentworth, of Paws Across Oswego County animal rescue.

 Dec. 11 when Apollo weighed 29 pounds.

Apollo was brought to the rescue on Dec. 12 and nursed back to health. He now weighs 48 pounds and will be leaving in a few weeks to go to a new home. Apollo's previous owner is facing an animal cruelty charge of starving the dog, according to New York State Police.

Deena M. Rossi, 40, of North Jefferson Street in Mexico, was arrested Dec. 17 for torturing or injuring an animal, a misdemeanor, police said. She faces up to one year in prison and up to a $1,000 fine.

Rossi is due in New Haven Town Court at 7 p.m. Thursday. Supporters of Apollo plan to attend her arraignment, Wentworth said.

"We want to stand up for Apollo and put an end to animal abuse," she said.

Paws Across Oswego County is a non-profit animal rescue that was established in 2001. Apollo was picked up on the street in New Haven and brought to the rescue.

"We had no idea if the dog had an owner," Wentworth said. "We were more concerned with making sure he survived. He could only walk a few steps and would fall down. He had to lay down to eat because he was too weak to stand."

After much debate, the organization decided to post Apollo's picture on its Facebook page. The photo, which Wentworth said is hard to look at, shows how ill and thin Apollo was when he arrived at the rescue.

"When we posted the photo, witnesses came forward and told us about his owner," Wentworth said. Those witnesses worked with state police which lead to Rossi's arrest.

The animal rescue group continued to post photos and updates on Apollo's condition over the past few weeks. Hundreds of people have liked and shared the status updates and photos. A new Facebook page was also created called Advocates For Apollo, which has more than 1,500 followers.

"We don't want justice for Apollo," she said. "Animals forgive and forget. They are better than humans. He loves everyone. We want to be advocates for Apollo and put an end to animal abuse."

The animal rescue has asked supporters on Facebook to stand up for Apollo by sharing a video or a photo that proclaims that "I stand up for Apollo against animal abuse."

Apollo now weighs 48 pounds.

Wentworth said the response has been amazing. They have received hundreds of photos and dozens of videos from people across the country.

Wentworth hopes that supporters who attend court on Thursday will continue to stand up for Apollo with positivity and grace and not with hatred or negativity.

She said there are two lessons to learn from Apollo. First, there should be no more silent bystanders to animal abuse.

"Come forward when you see abuse," she said. "Take photos, take videos, make a timeline. It's important to work with police. If you're not willing to do that then we don't have a case and police can't make an arrest. We're standing up. We're not going to put up with it anymore."

Wentworth said Apollo also carries a second, more spiritual, message.

"He teaches us that you can overcome anything and still have love," she said. "Apollo still loves."
(Syracuse.com - Jan 6, 2015)