The female Shih Tzu, believed to be about seven, was found Monday morning in the area of Harper Avenue and 16 Mile Road, its fur so thickly matted, investigators said its eyes were not visible.
“She definitely needs some care,” said Macomb County Animal Control Chief Jeff Randazzo.
Elvira was sedated Monday as workers shaved the matted fur and assessed her medical condition and injuries.
Authorities said the mats filled with dirt and fecal matter were so thick, air was prevented from getting into the dog’s skin.
A deep ulcer developed over the left eye, resulting in complete blindness. There is an infection to the right eye, but she still has some sight.
Her front left paw is missing. X-rays indicated Elvira’s matting may have cut off circulation to her leg, which resulted in her losing the paw. There are also broken bones in her back legs.
“Her left eye will be removed and we’re not sure about the right one,” Randazzo said. “She never received medical care for her right hind leg, which has ruptured tendons. There is a long-term concern over whether she can even walk. That’s what we are concerned about.”
The dog will be taken to NBS Animal Rescue in Troy for foster care. The rescue works to rehabilitate homeless dogs and specializes in small breed and older dogs, according to Jaime Wolfe, the group’s vice president.
“To see what happened, it just pulls at our heart strings,” Wolfe said of Elvira’s situation.
Meanwhile, Clinton Township Detective Capt. Richard Maierle said police have questioned the couple who brought the dog in for additional information. The couple found the dog near Meadowbridge Drive about 10 a.m. Monday and took her to the animal control office in Mount Clemens.
“The investigation is continuing,” Maierle said.
He said if police are able to determine who Elvira belongs to, the owner could face animal cruelty charges, a four-year felony.
The Macomb County Animal Control has set up a non-profit that accepts donations to help provide care to animals like Elvira. More information can be found at payments.g2gcloud.com/MacombCountyAC/599
UPDATE: Christopher Penn, 36; his wife, Sonja Sturdivant, 49, and her son, Demico Knight Jr., 21, have all been charged with animal cruelty.
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