Fundraiser For Abandoned Edison Pit Bull Surpasses Goal

EDISON, NJ — On Jan. 21, a 4-year-old pit bull was thrown out of a truck in Edison. She was found to be paralyzed in her hind limbs and was sent to live at the Edison Animal Shelter. Since then, the community has supported Winter through a fundraiser to help her with recovery.

As of Monday, the fundraiser surpassed its goal of $12,000 by raising a little over $16,000. The funds were used to help with surgery to remove two tumors that were pressing against her spine causing paralysis. Read More: Pit Bull Thrown From Vehicle In Edison, Police Seek Suspect

Winter is on the road to recovery with her starting to move her hind legs slightly, according to Becky Snyder, manager at the Edison Animal Shelter who started the GoFundMe.

While this is good news for Winter supporters, there's also some grim news. The tumors that were removed from Winter were sent for biopsy and she has now been diagnosed with cancer.

"I spoke with Winter's oncologist today, and unfortunately she does not have the best prognosis. Sadly, spinal lymphoma is extremely aggressive and they're only giving her about 8 months to live. This is of course just an estimate, and there is a possibility for her to live longer," Snyder said Monday.

Due to an increase in donations, the animal shelter will now start chemotherapy for Winter, Snyder said. She had her first chemotherapy session on Monday. "I cannot thank you enough for all of your love and generosity. Although Winter doesn't have long with us, you are all giving her a chance to live her final months loved and pain-free," Snyder said.

On Friday, Jan. 21, construction workers saw a truck drive to a park, throw a pit bull out and drive away. One of the workers picked up the dog and brought her to the Edison Animal Shelter, where they found she was unable to use her hind legs. Police believe this could be the likely reason she was abandoned.

A reward of $750 is being offered by Somerset County S.P.C.A. and the Edison P.B.A. Local 75 for information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect.

Anyone with information on Winter can contact Detective Ankur Mankad at (732) 248-7467 or Detective Nick Parenty at 732-248-7458.

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