A malnourished Yorkshire Terrier was found in the bottom of a trash chute at an apartment building in Washington, after staff heard her crying and called animal control.
“The dog did not have any signs of ownership, like a tag or anything like that,” said Erin Johnston, who works for Brandywine Valley SPCA, which housed the dog for a 3-day stray hold after an animal control officer rescued her from the trash on North Capitol Street on Jan. 28.
Georgia Dodson, director and co-founder of Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue, picked up the dog — later named Apple — when the hold expired. She said rescuers do not know how long Apple was stuck in the garbage collection area, or how far she fell.
Although Dodson is accustomed to difficult cases, Apple’s physical condition stood out as dire.
“The way she came in was months, if not years, of neglect,” said Dodson, whose volunteer-run rescue is based in Rockville, Maryland. “It was obvious that this dog had not been groomed or taken out or even able to walk around. This went far beyond a ride down the trash chute.”
Apple, who is believed to be 9, weighs four pounds.
“Her healthy weight is nine or 10 pounds,” Dodson said. “She’s very thin, her coat was completely matted and covered in excrement and all types of things I had to literally shave off.”
Dodson gave Apple a careful haircut and a bath, and clipped her overgrown nails.
“It was obvious she was in pain, and I’m sure scared,” Dodson said, adding that Apple struggles to use her hind legs, and also to walk.
Apple does not have any broken bones, Dodson said, but she thinks the low muscle tone in her back legs is from years of neglect.
“It seems like she was possibly in a crate for an extended amount of time,” Dodson said.
Dodson started Apple on a diet to help her safely gain weight, gave her treatment for fleas and deworming, and is awaiting bloodwork results to determine if she has other health issues.
Dodson is fostering Apple while her condition stabilizes, and the rescue is hoping to find someone to adopt the dog. Dodson said Apple’s disposition has transformed in the few days since she was rescued.
“She’s made a 180,” Dodson said, adding that her mobility and strength has slightly improved. “She’s nonstop wagging her tail, greeting every person she meets.”
Apple has met several volunteers and happily snuggled with each one.
“She is desperate for affection and cuddles and always wants to be in a lap,” Dodson said. “She’s been so joyful seeing that people want to love on her and be kind and gentle.”
Humane Rescue Alliance, which investigates animal abuse and neglect in D.C., told The Washington Post that it is looking into the case, and people should contact the organization with any information.
“We are offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible,” said Kelly Whittier, director of public affairs for HRA. “We are profoundly grateful to Miri’s Haven for standing beside her every step of the way.”
Dodson said she and her team believe Apple’s owner intended to dispose of her.
“These animal neglect cases are real issues,” she said.
After posting about Apple on Facebook, Dodson said, she and other rescue volunteers received an outpouring of support, and local blog PoPville shared an article. People have donated more than $3,000 to help cover Apple’s medical care. Several people also offered to adopt Apple and others applied to become volunteers with the rescue.
“That’s what really keeps us going,” Dodson said. “That’s been the highlight of the work that we do; when we see people back us up and support dogs like this.”
Although Apple has been through a lot, Dodson said, she is hopeful her life has turned around.
“It’s been heartwarming to see her every day a little bit brighter,” Dodson said
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