Starved Dog Improving, Contributions Being Accepted To Help Provide Care

BRANFORD, CT — Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter staff have called it one of the worst cases of animal cruelty they've ever seen. A dog, who has been given the name 'Hope' was brought to the shelter on Monday after someone driving saw the dog and noticed it couldn't even walk.

Once the dog got to the shelter, staff said the dog had been starved for some time and Hope was a day or two from death. The staff have given the dog around the clock treatment and care.

Staff say Hope is improving and that people want to donate funds to assist in Hope's care. You can do so by making donations online at branfordanimalshelter.org.

"On the homepage is our paypal link which says Donate. People can also mail donations to 749 East Main St in Branford, CT 06405. For people who are interested in donating towards the REWARD fund to find whoever is responsible for Hope's condition please note that on your donation." No GoFundMe campaign has been created, staff caution.

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As for Hope's condition, staff say, "Hope was able to urinate standing up today which was a huge accomplishment. She also had her first bowel movement- that was also a major accomplishment. Hope's temperature has still been fluctuating a bit so that may take more time to stabilize. She is eating small amounts and drinking small amounts of water on her own. She was even able to walk a bit today which was amazing! She still falls sometimes but we are so happy with her progress.

Hope had more tests done today which showed that her fecal was negative for parasites which means no worms had caused this condition. Some values in her urine were off but the vet believes as Hope continues to gain strength those values will stabilize. The same is true for her blood work.

"Thank you again to all of the people who are calling and emailing, praying for Hope, giving good wishes and donating on her behalf. All of us at the animal shelter are humbled by your generosity, concern and good wishes for her," the shelter staff posted on social media.