Veterinarian Nicole Pearsall tells 21 News, if someone hadn't tipped off authorities about the condition of a dog being kept a Sharon home, the pooch probably would not have made it through another day or two.
Someone told the Humane Society of Mercer County that a dog that had become extremely skinny was being kept at a home on Morrison Street in Sharon.
Humane Police Officer Renee Dorogy says that on Monday she went to the home where she talked to the owner, twenty-year-old Dominic Smith.
Dorogy says she was told that the dog was being treated by a veterinarian for Parvovirus, a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness.
The Humane Officer says Smith handed her some paperwork and then walked away down the street.
Although the papers were from a veterinarian, Dorogy says they indicated that they were for other medical tests, not Parvo.
When Dorogy saw the dog, she said it appeared emaciated. The dog's ribs were clearly visible and she called it the worst case she had ever seen.
Dorogy told someone else at the home to take the dog to the vet immediately. When she found that the appointment had not been made, Dorogy went to the home the next day and took the dog.
“Bootsie”, as the puppy is now being called, underwent emergency surgery on Tuesday for what Dr. Pearsall diagnosed as an intestinal obstruction.
Doctor Pearsall doesn't know how long it has been since Bootsie had eaten, but says she woke up from her operation ready to eat and is keeping her food down.
A summons has been issued for the dog's owner. Dominic Smith, who is to appear before a magistrate to answer one count of cruelty to animals.
(WFMJ - Aug 18, 2015)
