'Emaciated' Dogs Dumped At Lemont Dog Park Recovering After Rescue

LEMONT, IL — Two dogs found abandoned at a Lemont dog park are in the care of Ruby Whiskers Animal Rescue and are recovering, the rescue told Patch. Joy and Noel, named aptly for the Christmas season, were found at the Central Bark Dog Park in Lemont.

The dogs were picked up by Lemont Police Department, and Ruby Whiskers Animal Rescue founder Kim Arias said they aren't sure how long the dogs were left there, but at least for several hours overnight.

"We have an ongoing relationship with the police department," Arias said.

The rescue had assisted police in fostering another stray dog just two weeks earlier.

Joy and Noel are believed to be about 6 or 7 months old, Arias said.

"They're spitting images, they're absolutely sisters," she added.

The dogs were "emaciated," and covered in mud when the rescue took them into their care.

Arias said the dogs both weigh 35 pounds, but should be about 50.

After several baths, it was noticed that Noel had a "gaping wound" on her leg, Arias said. The dog was taken to Naperville Animal Hospital, where the wound was stapled shut.

The dogs will both need spay surgeries, and veterinarian bills for their care are already thousands of dollars.

The nonprofit animal rescue accepts donations via Venmo (Ruby Whiskers Animal Rescue), Zelle (Kim@rubywhiskers.org) and through PayPal.

For those interested in eventually adopting Joy or Noel, both dogs will be at an adoption event in Villa Park on Saturday. The Photos with Santa event at the Harley-Davidson dealership at 120 W. North Ave. will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ruby Whiskers Animal Rescue will have 12 adoptable pets at the event, including Joy and Noel.