Abandoned Dog Found In Suffield Passes Away

SUFFIELD, CT — An abandoned male terrier mix dog that was found tied to a tree in a Suffield park in late February has passed away due to health complications, according to a friend of the family which adopted him.

The adult dog, estimated to be between 8 and 11 years old, had been named "Brooks" by animal control officials after being found off a trail in Stony Brooke Park on Feb. 28. He received medical care at an area animal hospital, and a GoFundMe account set up by a group known as Friends of Suffield & East Granby Animal Control generated $16,675 to aid in the dog's treatment.

After weeks of care and a lengthy application process, Brooks was adopted by Bill and Pam Gaines of Enfield on April 12, according to a Facebook post by their daughter, Celina.

Unfortunately, Brooks suffered from "a very aggressive tumor on his kidney" and "has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge," according to a post by family friend Tamara Dunn, a well-known area animal rights activist.

Dunn's post contained this statement from the Gaines family:

"A special heartfelt thank you to Brooks for choosing us as your family. Please know that in the short time we had you we loved you immensely. You left a special place in our hearts as we hope we did the same for you. You are and always will be remembered as a sweet, special boy~~~Our Boy. Be happy, be healthy, be free."

Police Chief Richard Brown said a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the dog's abandonment is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Animal Control Officer Ryan Selig at (860) 668-3870 or RSelig@SuffieldCT.gov.