Veterinarians in DeKalb County are working to save an emaciated dog surrendered by its owner.
Channel 2’s Erin Coleman went to the rescue group PAWS Atlanta where unfortunately, this case is just the latest case so far this month.
Spirit weighed just 30 pounds and was covered in fleas a few days ago when her owner came to PAWS saying she no longer wanted the dog.
“We had a lot of work to do. That's the first thing I thought. We had a lot of work to do,” veterinarian Dr. Ashley Neal said.
Neal estimates it's been two to three months since Spirit has eaten regularly.
“Overall she's up 3 pounds and she's eating, and we're spending as much time with her as possible to socialize her,” Neal said.
This is just the latest in several high profile animal abuse or neglect cases.
Three weeks ago, we told you about Odysseus, found starving and tied to a tree.
Just last week, we showed you 4-month-old Mason, a Yorkie puppy found running down the street covered in chemical burns.
In Spirit’s case, like the others, she's looking at months of recovery.
Investigators with DeKalb Animal Control are working with PAWS Atlanta.
This is an open investigation, an open case, and the woman who surrendered Spirit is due in court.
“Not trying to shame any owners or make people reluctant to bring pets in that are in this condition,” Neal said.
Quite the opposite. PAWS wants those who can't care for their animals to seek help, only before they get like this.
“Our biggest focus is how can we help Spirit, but also how can we help people as well so this doesn't happen again,” Neal said.
PAWS has a dog food pantry for anyone who truly can't afford to feed their animals.
They say a lot of it comes down to education and asking for help sooner.
Channel 2’s Erin Coleman went to the rescue group PAWS Atlanta where unfortunately, this case is just the latest case so far this month.
Spirit weighed just 30 pounds and was covered in fleas a few days ago when her owner came to PAWS saying she no longer wanted the dog.
“We had a lot of work to do. That's the first thing I thought. We had a lot of work to do,” veterinarian Dr. Ashley Neal said.
Neal estimates it's been two to three months since Spirit has eaten regularly.
“Overall she's up 3 pounds and she's eating, and we're spending as much time with her as possible to socialize her,” Neal said.
This is just the latest in several high profile animal abuse or neglect cases.
Three weeks ago, we told you about Odysseus, found starving and tied to a tree.
Just last week, we showed you 4-month-old Mason, a Yorkie puppy found running down the street covered in chemical burns.
In Spirit’s case, like the others, she's looking at months of recovery.
Investigators with DeKalb Animal Control are working with PAWS Atlanta.
This is an open investigation, an open case, and the woman who surrendered Spirit is due in court.
“Not trying to shame any owners or make people reluctant to bring pets in that are in this condition,” Neal said.
Quite the opposite. PAWS wants those who can't care for their animals to seek help, only before they get like this.
“Our biggest focus is how can we help Spirit, but also how can we help people as well so this doesn't happen again,” Neal said.
PAWS has a dog food pantry for anyone who truly can't afford to feed their animals.
They say a lot of it comes down to education and asking for help sooner.
WSBTV
