California: Dog needs loving home after recovering from leg amputation

CALIFORNIA -- A dog left untreated for more than a week after a paw was severed has recovered and is now healthy enough to be adopted, the San Diego County Department of Animal Services reported Friday.

A neighbor who thought the terrier mix had a broken leg called the department last week, and the owner told responding county officials that the canine was struck by a vehicle around Christmas.

It turned out that Solei’s right rear leg was severed below the ankle. The owner said he couldn’t afford veterinary treatment, department officials said.

“After 15 years, it’s very rare I get upset about many calls, but the second I saw her I was infuriated,” said county Animal Services Lieutenant Mitchell Levy. “The dog must have been in excruciating pain and the owner had numerous options other than leaving her to suffer for days.”

Levy said she would have eventually died from infection if not treated. County veterinary staff was forced to amputate the rest of the dog’s leg the day after she arrived at the county’s animal care facility on Gaines Street.

Despite her injury, Solei is sweet, loving and outgoing. She’s recovered to the point where she can walk well on her three legs, according to the county.

Potential adopters can fill out the applications online. They can be dropped off at any of the three shelters, mailed or faxed to 619-767-2706.

(Fox5 - Jan 13, 2017)