Cobb County

Puppy found burned, severely injured outside apartment

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A Cobb County community is rallying around a puppy in desperate need of help.

Elle Heaton told Channel 2's Justin Wilfon that her friend found a 9-week-old puppy in the bushes outside her Smyrna apartment.

"She knew I had rescued many times before and I said, 'Yeah, absolutely. Bring it to me,'" Heaton said. 
She told Wilfon she couldn't believe what she saw.

“Serious, what looked like acid burns. He’s probably the worst that I’ve come across,” Heaton said. “It’s heartbreaking. He’s so tiny and innocent. I’m not sure how someone could hurt him.”

She immediately took the puppy to an emergency vet clinic in midtown Atlanta. Heaton named the young pup Rue.

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Veterinarian surgeon Abby Lockwood told Wilfon she’s not sure whether acid or fire caused the dog’s burns.

“Rue had a lot of healing burns all over his body, the most severe was around his abdomen,” Lockwood said.

In the week since Rue was found, he’s undergone multiple surgeries.

“He’s been such a trouper and you would think being a puppy, and so much discomfort, that he would wine and cry,” Heaton said.

Rue needs at least one more operation. Heaton hopes his long road to recovery will lead him to much better days ahead.

“I will find him a loving home,” she told Wilfon.

Heaton started a GoFundMe account to help pay for Rue's care. It has already raised thousands of dollars.