The female Chihuahua mix, named Cher, was dumped in the overnight drop at Mason County Animal Shelter and taken to Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Louisville for 24 hour care.
One she arrived Dr. Scott Rizzo assessed Cher and her fragile frame. "Her body condition is about a one out of nine," said Rizzo. "Her blood work would suggest that she has not been getting adequate nutrition for a long time and she's quite a bit down the way."
The two to three year old pup weighs only seven pounds, which is half of what she should.
"We're putting together a feeding plan," said Rizzo. "You have to be very, very careful with how you re-feed these dogs. They can actually get complications from feeding too quickly now because the body can't handle the food."
Dr. Rizzo believes with the right care she can bounce back. "We've got some hurdles that we have to overcome, but I definitely think that there is path to getting her back to being a healthy dog," said Rizzo.
Eaves hopes this type of neglect will get the community's attention. "It doesn't have to get to this point and you as a citizen can do the right thing and report it," said Eaves.
Eaves said Cher will be monitored at Blue Pearl for around a week until she is stable. Doctors also found Cher was born with a heart condition that will require surgery once she is back to a healthy weight.
The Arrow Fund said donations are needed to care for Cher. If you would like more information on The Arrow Fund or to donate, click here.
Donations can also be mailed to:
The Arrow Fund
P.O. Box 1127
Prospect, KY 40059
Source: WAVE 3 News~ Louisville, Kentucky
