Humane Society Seeks Donations For Mauled Dog

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — The South Suburban Humane Society is looking for donations and a foster home for a dog who was mauled by other dogs after she was left for dead by someone who slashed her throat.

"Some situations just bring us to our knees and that is Clarabelle," representatives wrote on their Facebook page.

Emily Klehm, CEO of the Chicago Heights-based animal shelter, said that investigators believe her throat was slashed by someone roughly a week ago, and that the 10-month-old Catahoula Leopard dog was left to die.

"We never like to leap to the worst possible scenario with something like this. We don't make those kinds of declarations lightly," she said. "But the way the wound is and the shape of it and the depth of it — there is almost no way it could have been done any other way than deliberately. It would have to be by a person."

Yet, somehow, she said, Clarabelle lived and made her way into a Chicago Heights backyard. When homeowners let their own dogs out Sunday night, the dogs found her, and guided by instinct to protect their territory, attacked her. The mauling broke Clarabelle's leg in several places.

Chicago Heights Animal Control brought Clarabelle to the Humane Society where veterinarians took care of her wounds. Klehm said that they believe Clarabelle's leg will need to be amputated. However, she is recovering from severe wounds and will require constant care through Friday.

"You know, yesterday she was letting us pet her and she was very calm with all of the humans," Klehm said. "But the minute she heard or saw dogs, she just about started freaking out, which is understandable but so sad."

Police do not believe the homeowners injured Clarabelle, and while they have information about the dog's case, it is unlikely they will find the person who cut her throat, Klehm said.

Several applications for volunteers who want to foster Clarabelle while she recovers have come in, but the shelter is still accepting applications. They are asking that no other animals be in the home where Clarabelle will stay. The Humane Society is also accepting donations to cover her medical costs.

Those who wish to donate can do so through the Humane Society's Facebook page and website.