Update On Hope The Dog That Was Severely Abused

BRANFORD, CT — Hope, the dog that was found one week ago and was a day or two from death due to severe starvation, continues to battle but it also having some health issues in her recovery, according to staff at the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter.

Hope has been receiving 24/7 hour care since she was brought there last week. Officials have called it the worst case of animal cruelty they have ever seen.

In a Sunday post on social media, the shelter staff say, "Hope started to have diarrhea and vomiting. She has been given fluids since she has arrived, so in addition to that she began treatment immediately for these symptoms."

"The good news was that Hope's temperature was stable. But she was obviously not eating or drinking because she felt so sick.Through panels of bloodwork and x rays it was found that Hope is having some issues with her liver and she has pancreatitis.

With all that Hope has been through we knew that there could be potential set backs along the road to her recovery. Her system is just being overwhelmed with finally having nourishment. The body sometimes does not react positively after it re- starts after being starved for so long, so she is being closely monitored and treated.

Hope will be going in for an ultrasound first thing (Monday) morning to see the conditions of her organs. We are still feeling cautiously optimistic that Hope will pull through all this. She began eating and drinking small amounts again today. Once again she is being treated 24 hours a day and we will continue that for quite some time.

We will continue to post Hope's progress and any set backs that she has because we realize how many people care so much for her and are praying for her recovery and her survival. We know that these set backs are extremely emotionally draining for everyone ( none of us have slept either), but we do want to keep everyone updated no matter whether we have good or bad news.

We really have to give a big shout out to all the vets, vet techs and staff that have been helping with Hope's recovery. These people have worked tirelessly around the clock to stabilize Hope. They have taken her into their own homes every night so she can snuggle with them and be warm and cozy in a bed, all the while transporting their equipment and medical devices back and forth with them.

Even when Hope is at the Veterinary Office, she has never been stuck in a cage for long periods because they are constantly with her. We truly believe that these people have given Hope the best chance to survive and thrive and we are eternally grateful for their medical care and love.

People have been reaching out and asking how to donate: Donations can be made via Paypal at branfordanimalshelter.org and click on Donate or by mailing it to 749 East Main St Branford,CT 06405. For everyone who has followed Hope, donated, called, emailed, sent items on behalf of Hope- we are so forever grateful for your support, caring and concern."

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Photo credit: Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Facebook page