Against all odds, a brave canine with second-degree burns discovers a newfound sense of hope and resilience after being cruelly abandoned.

Feb 15, 2023

Annie, a young dog discovered as a stray in Massachusetts, was in dire straits with second-degree burns covering her body. Given her condition, it appeared she couldn't have traveled far after suffering the injuries. Although she had a collar and leash, there were no identification tags or microchip to reveal her owner's identity, leading authorities to suspect that someone had cruelly left her behind after inflicting the burns.

While the history of Annie's past remains a mystery, her rescuers are determined to ensure a bright future for the brave pup. The timely intervention likely saved her life and now she's receiving all the care and attention she deserves.

Burned and Alone

Annie, a Beagle mix dog, was found with second-degree burns affecting about 20% of her body, including her face, neck, shoulders, legs, and stomach. Authorities suspect that someone poured scalding water on her to cause the severe burns. Fortunately, the Animal Rescue League of Boston provided Annie with the necessary medical care and nursed her back to health.

Mike DeFina, the communication officer of the Animal League, recalls his initial encounter with Annie as truly heart-wrenching. "Seeing her in such a dire state and in desperate need of help was truly heartbreaking," he expressed, reflecting on the moment he first laid eyes on her.

Despite a diligent search, the rescue team was unable to locate Annie's owner. Typically, lost dogs are claimed within the first 24 hours, but no one has come forward to claim her yet. While there is a possibility that the same individuals who harmed and abandoned her may have been her owners, authorities are cautious about making any assumptions and continuing their investigation.

Lt. Alan Borgal of the Animal Rescue League remarked, "It's not just the severity of the burns, but the callousness of the abandonment that is truly alarming. This is an act of unspeakable cruelty.

Authorities were able to obtain security footage from a Burger King located on Route 1 near where Annie was discovered, but unfortunately, the footage did not provide any leads on her abuser. The fact that just one burn can be excruciatingly painful makes it difficult to fathom the amount of suffering Annie must have endured, and it is truly heart-wrenching.

Towards the future

Annie has been making remarkable strides during her extensive recovery at Tufts Veterinary Emergency Services. Now back at the rescue's facility in Dedham, Massachusetts, Annie has been enjoying running around the shelter's play yard, and her progress has given everyone involved a reason to be hopeful for her continued healing.

As DeFina remarked, "Our ultimate goal is to find a loving and caring forever home for Annie where she can thrive and be showered with affection."

Annie won't be available for adoption until she has had sufficient time to recuperate. While she continues to heal, the rescue is appealing for contributions to cover the cost of her treatment, assist with the ongoing investigation, and build up funds for future emergencies such as Annie's.