A reward is being offered for anyone who has information on this incident.
Hagerstown, Md (KM). The Humane Society of Washington County is looking for information on the person responsible for abandoning a six- to seven-week-old puppy who was gravely ill. A $400 reward will be given to the individual whose information leads to charges being filed and a conviction.
The Society says at around 8:30 PM on Wednesday, one of its field services officers was dispatched to the rear of the Target store at 17213 Cole Road in Hagestown, where a citizen found an abandoned puppy in distress, wrapped in a blanket, emaciated and barely moving.. “When we arrived on scene, the puppy was gravely ill,” says Crystal Mowery, Field Services Officer for the Humane Society. “It had apparently been there for some time. It had fly eggs all around its face, in its mouth and up its nose. Its gums were very pale.”
Mowery says the dog was rushed to the Mountain View Emergency Vet for treatment.. The diagnosis was starvation and parasites. “The de-worming process was begun last night (Wed). Then the dog was transferred to the Humane Society of Washington County Veterinary Center for further care,” she says.
Early Thursday morning, the dog’s condition further deteriorated, and the Society veterinary staff spent hours stabilizing her, Mowery says, and that included a blood transfusion. At last word, the dog, which the veterinary staff named Hope, is still critical.
The Society is asking anyone who has information on this incident to give them a call at 301-773-2060, extension 203. “We’re looking for anyone who recognizes this puppy from a photo that can identify who had this puppy in their care; if anyone saw any vehicles going back behind the Target,” says Mowery.
Residents can also make donations to the Society to help with Hope’s care and the care of the other animals. Citizens can give on line at www.hswcmd.org. Checks can b sent to the Humane Society of Washington County, 13011 Maugansville Road, Hagerstown, Md. 21740.
By Kevin McManus
Hope