Dog Faces Long Road To Recovery After Animal Cruelty Case In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — An animal shelter in Hamden is raising funds for a dog that faces a long road to recovery after an extreme animal cruelty case, according to FOX 61.

Where the Love Is Animal Rescue is providing around the clock care to 8-year-old Ryder in what they called “one of the most extreme cases of animal cruelty we’ve ever seen,” according to a post on its website.

“Ryder is currently recovering after mistreatment which left her severely malnourished and wounded,” the post reads. “Her condition may result in the loss of one of her legs. But, she’s a fighter and so is Where the Love Is. She’s on the mend, but with time in the ICU and a long road to recovery ahead of her, her hospital bills are mounting.”

Officials with Where the Love Is told FOX 61 that it’s believed that Ryder was left outside with little to no shelter and hadn’t been fed. When the shelter went to visit her at the Hamden home, Ryder was found emaciated and rushed to an animal hospital, according to FOX 61.

A serious wound was found on her hind leg that burst, according to FOX 61.

Ryder was discharged after spending about 15 days in the ICU at Central Animal Hospital “receiving laser treatment, hyperbaric treatments, several medications, and intense wound care,” according to an update on the Where the Love Is Facebook page.

“She is currently with two amazing WTLI volunteers where she is getting plenty of rest, LOVE, and attention!” the post reads. “Her wound is still pretty severe so she goes back to Central Animal Hospital every two days as outpatient to have the wound dressing changed. She has put on about 4 pounds but still is weighing in less than 25 pounds. We have been learning a little more about Ryder and her personality. We already knew she was a fighter with a will to live but we also learned she is a foodie, loves to be cuddled up in blankets, HATES to be alone (probably fear of abandonment from her past), and has the sweetest personality. This is what the power of LOVE and hope can do for a dog! Resilient Ryder is defying all odds every day. She must know she has so many people rooting for her!”

Officials said the bill for her care so far is more than $15,000 but is “increasing every two days with the continuous outpatient wound care.”

The shelter is holding several fundraisers for Ryder, including a bath time fundraiser sponsored by Hot Diggity Dog at 2676 Whitney Ave. in Hamden on Sunday, Nov. 17.

Donations are also being accepted at the Where the Love Is website here.

Read the full story at FOX 61 here.