Burned Dog Feeling Better, Stronger: Shelby County Animal Shelter

SHELBY COUNTY, IN — An abandoned injured dog saved by a good Samaritan and the Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter in November appears to be having a happier start to the new year according to an update on the shelter's Facebook page posted Thursday evening, Jan. 3. The shelter wrote Justice, the badly burned and injured Pit Bull/Terrier mix brought to the shelter by animal control two months ago, is weighing his heaviest yet and no longer has a catheter. He's been cared for by staff at the shelter, foster parents and caregivers at IndyVet Emergency & Specialty Hospital.

"His tail never stops wagging," Chris Browder with the Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter said in the "Justice4Justice" update. "His appetite is very good too. Because he is feeling much better and stronger his personality is really starting to shine. Justice is definitely an affectionate dog that appreciates his foster parents and caregivers at IndyVet."

(Recent update included photo from Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter of their "Sharped-dressed little man," Justice, with his tail mid-wag).

According to the shelter, Justice is still going to have eye surgery in the near future and might be neutered while under the anesthetic.

The shelter wrote that the young dog, who Browder said the vet believes is between two and three years old, is feeling all the love and support he's received, including many gifts.

Justice's wagging tail and persistence are nothing new, as the dog has been positive and strong since he arrived two months ago. That's when the dog battled an infection from what shelter workers called "horrific" wounds, including lacerations on his tongue, possibly from licking off the chemicals that burned his body. Justice, however, wagged his tail a couple of times from the get-go, which the shelter said was "a wonderful moment," although he still had a long way to go with his recovery.

Related: 'Any Tips' Sought By Shelby County Animal Shelter On Burned Dog

The shelter is still looking for answers on what exactly was done to the dog, who was found on Friday, Nov. 2 with no microchip and a collar hanging off of him "in the vicinity of 900 North and 400 West in Shelby County Indiana," Patch reported.

"We will never stop until the monster responsible for his horrific injuries is arrested and convicted, Browder said. "We want justice."

The Facebook post also included a thank you to all involved with Justice's recovery:

"From the bottom of our hearts thank you for entrusting his care with the staff at the Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter and IndyVet Emergency & Specialty Hospital. Justice's comfort, well-being and future has always been paramount. We greatly appreciate your steadfast dedication and love for him. Together, we all share in his incredible recovery. Thank you for donating. Thank you for sharing his story. Thank you for praying and having faith. God bless you and your incredible heart. "

Anyone with tips - big or small - regarding what was done to Justice, especially information leading to the person(s) responsible and charges, can be made anonymously
by emailing cbrowder@cityofshelbyvillein.com or by calling the shelter at 317-392-5127.

Also, back in November the shelter wrote that while everything Justice needs financially to help his recovery would be provided, there have been many questions regarding donations. To donate, the shelter said you can stop by on weekdays between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., or mail a check to: Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, IN 46176, and to please write Justice4Justice in the check's memo spot.

Images courtesy of Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter/ IndyVet