A Rottweiler left to die in a St. Albans apartment is being loved back to life, according to Vermonters Against Animal Cruelty and Abandonment.
The following was posted on the VAACA Facebook page Dec. 12:
“Last week, Potter’s Angels Rescue took in Hank on an emergency basis. He is a 1.5 yr old Rottweiler that once weighed over 100 lbs and was found locked inside a home in St. Albans at just 53 lbs.
“The owner shut off all utilities and left him to die, cold and alone. Luckily someone found him before it was too late. After being rushed to the vets and provided emergency care, he was moved into a medical foster. He received a body condition score of 1 out of 9 by two separate veterinarians, determining he was in the the final stage of starvation before death.
“The weekend was touch and go as his body adjusted to receiving food again. When an animal is this emaciated, feeding them too much too soon can kill them so the refeeding process is slow starting at just 1/3 can of prescribed food per day separated in small meals every few hours.
“To put this in perspective that’s like one bite of food for my healthy Rottweilers split up into meals throughout the day. At his vet visit yesterday he had gained 3.5 lbs and we are increasing his food daily now.
“He will need continued medical fostering and vet care to rehabilitate him to a healthy pup. His personality is starting to show and it turns out he’s 100% lovebug!! We will not give up until charges are pursued and are supporting law enforcement in this ongoing investigation. We will share updates on this case as we receive them.”
- Editor