Puppy "Brooks"
A Very Sad Story

It was early Monday morning on January 18th, when Channel 10 Connects reporter Kathryn Bursch contacted Suncoast Animal League Executive Director, Rick Chaboudy. A concerned Brooksville viewer sent Kathryn some very disturbing pictures of a neighborhood puppy chained to a fence. The dog's ribs were showing, he was missing most of his hair, and his body was covered with patches of open, bleeding sores.

The puppy was suffering in Hernando County, which is out of the League's jurisdiction, so we were put in contact with Hernando County Animal Services. The animal services officer was familiar with the situation. Within a couple of hours, the officer seized the nine-month old Boxer mix and turned him over to the League. Before being placed into the League's van, the initial sight of the poor pup brought tears to the eyes of everyone present.

After the 1½ hour trip back to Pinellas County, "Brooks" was taken to Tarpon Animal Hospital where Veterinarian Tom Callahan and Technician Jacki Jensen gave him a thorough examination. The diagnosis was shocking:

1) Severe demodex mange
2) Malnutrition
3) Dehydration
4) Underweight 20 lbs.
5) Heart murmur
6) Anemia
7) Fleas
8) Ear infection in both ears
9) Secondary infection
10) Broken tail

According to Dr. Callahan, it probably took 5-6 months of neglect for the puppy to get this bad. Recovery, would take several additional months. Dr. Callahan and Jacki immediately started treating the downtrodden Brooks.

With all that is wrong with the puppy, we sometimes wonder if it is fair to put him through all he will have to endure in the near future, considering all he has already endured. But one look into his eyes and it was clear that he was not ready to die. Therefore, if he is willing to fight, then we, Suncoast Animal League, will continue the fight on his behalf.

Please help us help Brooks. We will update you on Brooks' condition in the next couple of day.

Brooks - Day One

Brooks - Day Three

back to top »