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TagsBY BOB HOLT
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
The dog that had presumably been left for dead in a trash bin is being inundated with adoption offers.
The dog, named Patrick for his reddish fur and because he was found the day before St. Patrick's Day, has received hundreds of e-mails, donations, gifts, and letters from those inspired by his tale of survival.
Philly.com reports when Patrick was brought to Garden State Veterinary Specialists after being rescued by officials at the Associated Humane Societies, he was so starved that he was curled into a ball, unable to walk or stand. His ribcage protruded, he weighed about 20 pounds - and was covered in sores with parts of skin hanging off him, according to Patricia Smillie-Scavelli, the administrator of the hospital.
"Everyone thought that, you bring in an animal like that, that looks like it's really just a corpse, you put it to sleep," Smillie-Scavelli said. "But of course, he looked up at you with those eyes, and you say: How can you give up on this dog? We gave him that second chance, and he has just run with it, and thrived."
Care2.com reports charges against the dog's owner Kisha Curtis were upgraded to include "torture and torment of a living creature" which carries a sentence of 18 months in jail and/or a $3,000 fine if she is convicted.
Curtis has since been released on bail.
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Today, after weeks of treatment including a transfusion of three pints of blood, a special diet, medicine, and physical therapy, Patrick is gaining weight - currently he weighs just over 29 pounds - is finally eating solid food, and enjoys taking walks in the sun and playing with the many toys that well-wishers have sent him.
The hospital ordered 500 thank-you cards with Patrick's picture to mail to those who sent collars, dog shirts, toys, scrapbook pages, or dog blankets embroidered with Patrick's name, and the supply is fast running out.
And last week, ahscares.org reported that Patrick visited the News 12 New Jersey offices where he made an appearance on "The Pet Stop.”
According to the hospital’s website, they have discontinued accepting donations directly to the hospital for Patrick. Patrick’s plight reminds us that there are many animals that suffer terrible abuse and are being rescued every day. Those wishing to honor Patrick are encouraged to donate to your local organization in his name.
Patrick should be there!!!!!
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN LOBBYING FOR ANIMAL RIGHTS AND CRIMES AGAINST ANIMALS!! IT IS A PITY THAT IT TOOK "PATRICK'S HORRIFIC ACCOUNT" TO STIMULATE NATIONAL ATTENTION!! EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO FACE THEIR ACCUSER. WHAT AN IMPACT IT WOULD MAKE IF PATRICK COULD ATTEND THE HEARING OF HIS ATTEMPTED MURDERER KISHA CURTIS!! MAYBE THEN HE COULD TAKE A "BITE OUT OF CRIME"!! (PUN INTENDED)! THIS OCCURRED IN A RECENT CASE AND THE ACCUSER WAS DENIED PAROLE AND IS SERVING 9 YEARS!! AMEN!!