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Applications now accepted for abused puppy’s adoption

3 min read
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“Puppy” is ready for a home to call his own as the investigation into his abuse has been turned over to investigators outside of Pennsylvania after it was determined it happened in another state.

Applications to adopt the now 13-week-old terrier mix puppy found Feb. 3 in Bentleyville with a metal rod protruding from his head are now being accepted by University Veterinary Specialists’ UVS Care Foundation.

“We are going through the screening process,” said AJ Owen, marketing manager for the emergency veterinary hospital in Peters Township. “Given that his health has greatly improved, we can start the adoption process.”

“Puppy,” as he has been called by the staff, has been a favorite there since he arrived at the facility more than two weeks ago after being picked up by staff members in the UVS Express Transport. He underwent surgery the following day to have the rod removed. There was hope after the surgery that he might regain vision in one of his eyes, but last week his veterinarians reported that he would be able to see out of both eyes.

There was a thought, albeit very brief, of keeping the puppy as a mascot.

“Unfortunately, this is a hospital and we don’t want to keep a healthy puppy around sick animals,” Owen said. “We know he will find a loving home. We’ve had at least 50 people submit an application after we released on social media that he will be up for adoption.”

Since learning of the injured puppy, the humane officer for Washington Area Humane Society and an investigator worked the case and coordinated with other law enforcement agencies, including Bentleyville police.

“As the puppy was reported to have been found near Bentleyville, the case was originally thought to be within WAHS jurisdiction,” said Kelly Proudfit, humane society executive director. “However, through our investigation, facts were discovered that removed this case from WAHS jurisdiction.

“To ensure the best possible outcome in this case, we have provided all of our information to humane and law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over this case,” she added. “We remain available for assistance should they need us.”

Because of the ongoing investigation and unfamiliarity with the laws of the state where the abuse reportedly occurred, Proudfit declined to release who is now investigating the case.

“I am happy with the response from our team, especially our humane officers,” Proudfit said. “We are thrilled that this terrible story looks like it will have a happy ending, as Puppy is on the road to recovery and will soon have a new home.”

Donations are still being accepted for Puppy’s care through UVS Cares Foundation. Over the weekend, the Bentworth Leo Club, with help from Bentleyville and Ellsworth firefighters, collected $1,300 for his care from shoppers at Giant Eagle in Bentleyville. There also are canisters at various businesses in the community for donations.

The application to adopt “Puppy” is available at http://www.universityveterinaryspecialists.com/Adoption/ and can be submitted online. Applicants are asked to answer questions about their experience caring for puppies, whether they have any other pets, if those animals are current on vaccines and heartworm,, flea and tick medications, and the number of children and adults in the home.

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