Mastiff Mix On The Mend In Salem After Horrific Neck Injury

SALEM, MA — A 4-year-old mastiff mix is recovering at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem after horrific abuse and surgery to remove a buckle collar that had become embedded in his neck.

MSPCA-Angell Director of Adoption Centers and Programs Mike Keiley said the mastiff, named Roger, was found with the injury in Marlboro, South Carolina, and had his surgery there before being transported to Massachusetts for continued care and hopeful adoption with the South Carolina shelter full.

"This level of cruelty calls for charges against whoever did this, but no one in the area claimed the dog or had any leads on a potential owner, nor did they know anything about the dog or what happened," Keiley said. "So staff in the shelter turned all of their attention to treating the dog and trying to find a new home for him, but, given the immense challenges facing shelters right now, they knew they needed help, and that's where we came in."

The hope is that Roger will be ready for either a foster home or a forever home within two to six weeks.

"It was really important to help them free up space and also make sure this dog was able to get the care and treatment he needs, so we decided to bring him to Massachusetts where we’re confident we can help him recover and find him a great home," Keiley said.

Roger was found wandering the streets in South Carolina with a neck so severely injured that local police said the person calling for assistance on him believed someone might have tried to cut off his head. Despite the injury, local police said he was largely affable when they arrived and easily went with him to go get checked out by the Humane Society of Marlboro County.

The veterinarian discovered and removed the deeply embedded buckle collar and cleaned the wounds. No identification or owner of Roger was found in the area and he was transported with 24 other dogs to Massachusetts on June 24 where he could receive continued care and a better chance at adoption.

"We're looking at this as kind of a finishing school for Roger," Keiley said. "Marlboro staff started him on a path to recovery, but we need to finish it, and he's got a ways to go."Roger is described as a quiet and friendly dog who loves sitting on people's laps, giving hugs and holding their hands with his paws. It is believed he would get along well with other laid-back dogs.

"We want Roger to be as comfortable as possible throughout his treatment," Keiley said. "Having him in a home with people who are committed to helping him and will make sure he's able to get to his necessary appointments will be key in ensuring he's able to make a full recovery."

Keiley said the hope is that a forever home will be found for Roger, but allowed that is becoming increasingly difficult to adopt out larger dogs even in Massachusetts, where adoption rates are still much stronger than in other parts of the country where shelters are perpetually overcapacity.

In the meantime, the Northeast Animal Shelter is also accepting fostering offers for Roger and its other larger dogs.

"What we're doing with Roger is a great example of what we can do to help animals with the support of the community behind us," Keiley said. "With so many dogs across the country living in overcrowded shelters, we need that support now more than ever."

Those who wish to donate to help offset the cost of Roger's care, which could top $6,000, and help other dogs in overcrowded shelters find refuge in Massachusetts may donate here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)