Abused Dog Recovers | ABC30 Fresno | abc30.com

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By ABC30

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Madera, CA | Watch Video Above for More Information on this Story |

When Animal Control Officers were called out to see the dog, they couldn't believe it was still alive. He could not even lift his head, and was half the weight he should have been. Animal Control Officer Chelsea Ruble took the call on what she recalls to be a scorching summer day.

Two weeks later, and 11 pounds heavier, the dog nicknamed Bones is on his way to recovery. The sores on his hips are still healing. They come from being so malnourished that just sitting caused his bones to pierce the skin.

Animal Control Officers say the dog was starved for quite some time before it was tied to a post and left to die. It had only been here a couple minutes when people passing by started calling it in.

Officers tracked down the dog's owner with the help of witnesses who live in the area. He could face felony animal cruelty charges. Investigators say the dog had been used for breeding before he was completely neglected.

Kirsten Gross is the Director of the Madera County Animal Shelter. She rescued the red nose pit bull and worked with a local veterinarian to nurse him back to health.

Shelter volunteers are now working to fatten the dog up and then find him a permanent home to live out his life without worries.

Finding adoptable homes for pit bulls is a big challenge. Volunteers are hoping to find an opening at the Best Friends' Shelter in Utah. That shelter is also home to several dogs from the Michael Vick dog fighting ring.