One Thousand Offer to Adopt Dog Who Chewed Off Foot to Escape Ties

A swell of support has erupted for Maverick, a long-haired German shepherd who chewed off his own foot to escape being tied up for what authorities say could have been "weeks."

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has received more than 1,000 calls to ask about adopting Maverick, who was rescued by an animal control officer and rushed to emergency care at Angell Memorial Medical Center on July 12.

Maverick was seized by MSPCA Law Enforcement Officer Chelsea Weiand after the Middleboro animal control officer discovered the dog and rushed him to a nearby animal clinic, where he was sedated so veterinarians could clean the severe wound to his right rear foot.

Maverick continues to recover at Angell following surgery on Tuesday to repair his right rear paw. Dr. Mike Pavletic, who led the surgery, said in a press release that he’ll require several more days in the hospital so the team can safeguard against infection (through repeated bandage changes and antibiotics) and to monitor his progress as he takes his first steps toward recovery. Maverick will need to wear a protective bootie, but his foot should heal completely.

MSPCA Boston adoption center manager Alyssa Krieger is asking anyone interested in adopting Maverick to come to the adoption center in person during open hours to complete an application and to meet Maverick.

The MSPCA will be accepting applications until Saturday, July 30, and will make a final decision about Maverick’s forever home shortly after.

Donations, too, continue to come in from across the country, bringing $57,000 so far.

Since donations topple what is necessary for his care, the remaining money will go to "Spike's Fund," which helps offset the medical care for thousands of animals every year who are housed in the MSPCA’s Boston adoption center.

On July 19, the dog's previous owner, Kevin Kennedy of Middleboro, was charged with one count of felony animal cruelty for neglect and failure to pursue necessary veterinary care.

Kennedy will be arraigned in Wareham District Court on Aug. 18.

Photos courtesy MSPCA