Valentine-starved pit bull

[buttercup132]

This poor girl was posted on another forum.
Here's some more info and pictures of her.

To see an animal as gentle and precious as Valentine and to realize that she is the victim of human neglect is one of the hardest things to accept. But to know that Stray From The Heart rescued Valentine in the nick of time and she is now at one of the most nurturing hospitals getting much needed medical care, food and love will bring this story a just and happy ending. Valentine was found on Valentines Day by a couple who spotted the freezing and emaciated dog crawling towards them on her stomach. It was one of the coldest days of the year. They knew they couldn't leave her out there to die so they carried her into their home, went online, found our web site, said a prayer and made a call. We made arrangements to have her brought to an emergency room in NYC where the staff immediately went to work on her. It was painful to look at this little one and contemplate what she had gone through and the will it must have taken for her to survive. We're pleased to report that after a couple of weeks, Valentine is making remarkable progress, going from 24 lbs to almost 30. She suffered from anemia but her red blood cell count is climbing a little bit everyday and Valentine is expected to make a full recovery. She has become the unofficial hospital mascot and the staff can't say enough about this young little golden staffie with the unbeatable spirit. She has already touched so many lives in such profound ways. We are now looking for a calm, warm and loving home where Valentine could continue her healing process. If you can help us in anyway with this sweet angel, please call Beth at 347 242 0459.

Someone contacted Bath and she said this

• She was found in Far Rockaway, NY
• There's some kind of metal object in her stomach which they cant remove until she's healthier
• She tested positive for Lymes
• She has problems with her kidneys which is most likely due to the starvation
• Currently on doxycycline

This particular organization does not 'warehouse' dogs in shelters; they have fosters like SPBR. Valentine will need one with no other animals if anyone can help.

In chatting further, Beth told me about another pit bull named Hero that she's going to post. He was hit in the head 9 times and also stabbed while trying to protect his owner during a 'mugging'; however, the woman did not reclaim him after he recovered. Beth thinks this is possibly a domestic violence issue where the woman doesnt want to turn in the violent significant other and would rather not bring the dog back into the home for further abuse.

She also was in the news http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle...rescue_gr.html

[jackie]

Nice story, I hope she finds a loving home.

P.S. The article states she is a staffie, not a pit bull.

[Karen]

Yes, but "pit bull" is used as a term that encompasses Staffies, Pitties and a few other "bully" breeds in general parlance.

[Catty1]

Poor baby - I am glad she is safe! Was that bony pic after she gained some weight? OMG

She has a really sweet face but looks sad...I look forward to pics of her happy and tail-wagging.

[shepgirl]

Could barely stand to look at the pictures.

[pitc9]

OMG those pictures of her brought tears to my eyes! Bless those people for taking her in that night and not turning their backs on her.

omg... and the woman that didn't reclaim Hero after she was attacked... omg..... She needs to keep the dog and ditch the zero that did that to her.

[buttercup132]

omg... and the woman that didn't reclaim Hero after she was attacked... omg..... She needs to keep the dog and ditch the zero that did that to her.

They said that she probly doesn't want to bring the dog back because there is domestic violence going on there and doesn't want the dog to get hurt or get in the middle again.