A concerned citizen saved the life of a dog in Memphis Wednesday night, Jan. 16 after reporting that she’d seen a dog left in freezing temperatures tied to a tree. The woman said the dog had been there for a week and after her repeated reports to Memphis Animal Services were ignored, a reporter from WMCT-TV Action 5 got involved and contacted city and Shelby County officials. Within an hour of a reporter tweeting a photo to the local Humane Society, the dog was rescued. Besides shock and hypothermia, the dog also suffered neck injuries from where his collar rubbed it raw.
The dog, that appears to be a Golden Retriever or Lab mix, was dubbed “Jasper” by the Humane Society. Tied with a nylon lead, he had wrapped himself around a tree until he couldn’t move, and was stuck standing in muddy, freezing water when rescued.
More photos of Jasper (warning: graphic)
Jasper is the second dog to have been found frozen in Memphis recently. Fortunately, Jasper was found in time and should recover from his injuries, although he might not have lasted another night in the cold, according to veterinarians. A Memphis man is facing aggravated animal cruelty charges for the death of his pit bull that was found emaciated and frozen to the ground. Zangerio Dogan claimed his sister was caring for the dog, while she said she thought he had removed the dog several weeks prior. There was no evidence of food, water, or shelter available where the deceased dog was found.
Pet owners are reminded that all animals need proper shelter from the elements year round, and more insulation should be added as temperatures drop. Straw or wood shavings for bedding in a proper dog house are better than blankets, which can retain moisture and further rob heat from a dog’s body.
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