Burned Puppy Improves, Still Critical

Burned puppy improves, still critical
By Cindy Wolff, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Saturday, August 2, 2008


The puppy set on fire by two men Tuesday wagged her tail Friday, but she's still in critical condition.

The German shepherd/rottweiler mix is under sedation at a local veterinary clinic. Because of the overwhelming number of phone calls about the puppy, Memphis Animal Services asked that the name of the veterinarian not be released.
Tristan Hathaway, 18, and Vincent Boykin, 20, face felony aggravated animal cruelty charges after neighbors on Kilarney said they saw them pour gasoline on the puppy and set her on fire.
Two sisters came to the puppy's aid and their grandfather called police.

The puppy, named Hope by Memphis Animal Services staff, is younger than first reported, about 12 weeks old according to the veterinarian treating her.

She was burned over about 55 percent of her body. The vet is managing her pain, but the dog's condition is still critical. Hope's protein levels are low and she is at high risk for infection.

The dog was treated Friday using a state-of-the-art laser donated by Companion Laser Therapy. The laser helps in healing and pain management.

To help with medical costs, the Anti-Cruelty Task Force established a fund at First Tennessee Bank. Funds will also be used as a reward to the two girls for helping the dog and turning in the men they said attacked the dog.
Donations can be sent to any First Tennessee branch to the task force account.
-- Cindy Wolff: 529-2378