A dog recovering from a brutal beating was reunited with her owner on Tuesday, thanks in large part to a 9-1-1 dispatcher with a heart of gold.
The dog was found around 8 a.m. on Friday near an automotive shop in Levittown.
“We’re animal lovers ourselves,” said Sam Underland, the man who found the dog. “So I kind of feel for it a little bit.”
The dog was taken to the CARES Veterinary Hospital in Langhorne, Bucks County. Veterinarians say the dog suffered skull fractures and may lose sight in her left eye. Animal Control Officers believe she was hit with a baseball bat, blinding her.
“She suffered some major skull injuries,” said Dr. David Puerto of CARES. “She’s very luck that she is alive.”
9-1-1 Dispatcher Jessica Finnell heard the call reporting the dog was beaten. Heartbroken over the report, Finnell decided to take action. She went to CARES that night and took the 7-year-old dog in.
“I knew I couldn’t afford her financially and give her everything that she needed at the very moment,” said Finnell. “But she just needed someone to take care of her and love her in the meantime.”
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A local newspaper ran a story on Finnell taken the injured dog in. The article caught the attention of Marie Waligorski who recognized her dog “Dusk,” in the picture. Waligorski tells NBC10 Dusk had escaped her backyard.
“I was expecting to possibly pick her up at the pound on Monday,” said Waligorski. “Not picking up a dog that was apparently beaten.”
NBC10 was there on Tuesday when Waligorski was reunited with her beloved dog.
“She knows it’s us!” said Waligorski while in tears.
Waligorski embraced Finnell who was there for the emotional reunion.
“I can’t thank her enough that she did all that she’s done,” said Waligorski. “She treated our dog like we treat our dog. I couldn’t ask for anything more than that.”
Animal Control Officers are searching for security video in the area that might help them identify a suspect in the beating. Dusk will likely need to undergo costly surgery as she continues to recover.
A fund for Dusk has been set up at the CARES Veterinary emergency room.
People who want to donate to help offset the money needed for the dog's surgery can drop off money or send a check to 2010 West Cabot Boulevard, Langhorne, Pa, 19047. Make sure you mention the check is for the DUSK Fund.
