Dog Intentionally Set on Fire

Warning, this is not a pretty story. If you have an ounce of compassion it will rip the heart right out of you. Every time I think about this poor dog I start crying. What was done to him is unbelievable. If the person who did it is found, he needs to pay for what he's done. Get your box of tissues, and then read on. These links were provided to me by another dog lover, Becky Danielson. I feel it is my responsibility to pass this on to all of you.

Perry Avenue, Greenville, South Carolina, Tuesday, November 9, 2010 - Police and firefighters responded to a call. Unfortunately, what they found was an overturned dog house that was on fire, with a dog inside. The dog "Pookie" was chained and a cement block was put on his head to hold him down. His head was then set on fire.

According to WYFF TV, the home was for sale and the occupants left their dog, Pookie, to protect the home. It was not stated who was taking care of Pookie or how long he had been left there alone. That's sad enough, that someone would leave their 14 year old dog alone to fend for himself. But to know that someone intentionally set the dog on fire, how will the owners live with themselves. They don't care, that is obvious.

Once the dog was taken to the animal hospital his owners said they can't afford his medical treatment and turned over their rights to him. Not only was Pookie left alone and set on fire, he now has no home to return to.

Will Pookie make it? The first reports indicated that Pookie, a Collie/Chow mix, may lose his eyesight. His face was badly damaged; his eyes were swollen so bad he couldn't open them. Pookie was taken to the North Greenville Animal Hospital where Veterinarian Ann Malphrus said in 22 years this is the worst case of animal cruelty she has seen.

A neighbor said that Pookie had never caused any problems in all the years he lived there. A witness said he saw a tall, skinny black man wearing a black hat and a black jacket standing by the dog house before the fire.

Now that a few days have passed, Pookie's condition has improved slightly. He has been able to open his eyes, and he can see. The doctor doesn't expect that he will lose his sight. He is in pain and will undergo surgery to remove the dead skin form his head.

He is eating and, believe it or not, he is wagging his tail. Donations have been pouring in to cover his medical bills. Volunteers are spending time with Pookie, petting him, talking to him and even reading to him.

A reward fund has been set up. Tips are being followed up on. Pookie will be ok. It will be a long road for him, and once he is well enough he will need to find a new forever family, one with people who will love him unconditionally.

I'm not sure I'll be okay. I look over at my dog and see how happy she is and I think of poor Pookie and the tears just flow. What is wrong with people? Anyone who can do this to a poor defenseless dog can also do it to a human. This person needs to be caught and punished.

Anyone with any information please contact the Greenville Police Tip Line at 271-GCPD (4273). This guy needs to be caught. He needs to be taken off the streets before he does this again. The next time it could be worse.

Anyone that would like to make a donation for Pookie's care, you can contribute to the Second Chance Fund, call 864-467-3954 or mail donations to: Animal Care Services at 328-C Furman Hall Rd., Greenville, SC 29609.

To see the original news story and video of Pookie - click here.

To see the follow-up news story and new video of Pookie - click here.

Pookie is 14 years old and he is in pain, but he hasn't given up on people. He is trusting of people. Let's help make the rest of his life better. If you can't donate, at least say a prayer for Pookie. He needs all the help he can get. Thank you.

Source:

WYFFtv.com
Becky Danielson