Photo: Courtesy Rescue Dogs Rock NYC
Champ has earned his name.
Courtesy Rescue Dogs Rock NYC
Along with being emaciated — Champ weighed 50 lbs. when a healthy weight for him would be 110 lbs. — Champ also had pale gums, a low red blood cell count and was covered in maggots.
“One week in, he is doing better. He is starting physical therapy and his red blood cells are finally starting to regenerate on their own,” O’Sullivan says.
The rescue has been keeping Champ’s growing number of fans updated on his progress through his new Facebook pageJustice for Champ. Recent posts show the dark-colored canine with atrophied muscles taking his first steps with assistance and standing up on his own.
“Today, he is very weak and can only stand for a few seconds, but he is standing and he is enjoying excellent medical care, good food, kind people, green grass, sunshine and freedom. He will never be starved or have to live tied outside, alone and suffering ever again!”reads a postfrom Wednesday.
According to O’Sullivan, Champ had been left tied up outside for six months, though the rescue isn’t sure when James stopped feeding him.
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office announcedthat James was arrested for animal cruelty and booked at the Laurens County Detention Center on August 16. James had her bond hearing the following day and paid her $15,000 bond.
Though this abuse may be hard for many to comprehend, that life is in the rearview for Champ.
Once Champ’s health and weight are at a place where he doesn’t need around the clock care, the rescue will start looking to find him a forever home and they have already received “LOTS” of interest.
To support Champ’s road to recovery and help other dogs rescued from abuse visitRescue Dogs Rock NYCand Champ’s Facebook pageJustice for Champ.
source: people.com
