The three-year-old pit bull with the expressive brown eyes who seemed to thank each and every human who sent her a kind smile, a gentle caress, or a pain free moment from her horrific injuries, died early Sunday morning at the Monee Animal Wellness Center in Monee, Ill.
"It is with a very heavy heart that we share this post this morning. :(
At 5:15 am I crossed Rainbow Bridge (went home to be with the Lord). My heart stopped beating. The Doctors performed CPR and massaged my heart. My body was tired. My little body suffered major trauma and I stayed strong as long as I could. I felt the love that surrounded me and I got my babies to a safe place, I knew it was ok to let go. I am now free of pain and suffering and will be re-united wth my 5 little ones that didn't make. Thank you for showing me love and compassion. May God rest my soul in peace. ♥"
It's a Pittee Rescue heard of the dog's plight after she had been taken to an area shelter on Mar. 23. After the mandatory hold period, the rescue was notified and because of the severity of the dog's injuries and her pregnancy, the rescue volunteers transported her to Monee for specialized care.
Named Petunia, by veterinarian Dr. Lynlee Wessels, because the kind doctor wanted to see this dog bloom, Petunia had been found wandering in Eastern Will County late in March. Authorities think she may have been intentionally set on fire; more than 25 percent of her body had burn wounds. Petunia also suffered from an injured paw and broken teeth. Was she a victim of more animal cruelty or did she also get hit by a car?
Petunia, however seemed to have a strong spirit; after all she was pregnant and instinctively was determined to deliver her puppies in a safe place.
Last week Petunia, in spite of her pain and the intensive treatment she endured to survive, ten puppies entered the world. Five of the puppies were stillborn - likely due to the malnutrition and lack of care of their mother. The surviving puppies were named after flowers just like their mother. There came Huckleberry, Snapdragon, Phoenix Caine, Jasmine, and Tulip.
The litter is reported to be doing well and all are being fed by baby bottles. The pups will be in foster care and kept together until they are old enough to be adopted.
Nearly 9,500 people on Petunia's Facebook page sent her words of encouragement, gifts of food, toys, treats, t-shirts and money. The acts of kindness and generosity are gentle reminders to everyone how so many people care about our four-legged friends.
Please be the voice for victims like Petunia. Report all acts of animal cruelty and neglect. Protect the "Petunias" of the world and help to punish those who are responsible for these despicable acts.
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