Shelter provides aid to neglected dogs
By Lisa Wilcox
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Two dogs that were found running loose on the Green Ridge Road in Caribou are in the process of recovering from apparent starvation, infections and pressure sores at the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle.
The two female Rottweiler mixes, estimated to be about 4 years old, were picked up by the Caribou Police Department on the morning of May 22. The dogs were taken to the animal holding area at CPD where the investigation was turned over to Animal Control Officer Joe Ruggles, who brought the obviously neglected animals to the Presque Isle shelter so that they could receive immediate medical care.
“I’ve been doing this a long time,” Ruggles said, “and this is one of the worst cases I have seen. One of the dogs weighed 42 pounds and the other one was 52. These are usually 90- to 100-pound dogs.”
Ruggles stated he believes that the horrible condition of the dogs is due to months of neglect.
“This doesn’t just happen overnight,” he said.
According to Christine Robinson, president of the CAHS board of directors, Thelma and Louise, as the dogs have been christened, are most likely sisters and are recovering together at the shelter.
“They are coming around,” Robinson explained. “They are very thin. They have skin infections and pressure sores from bone laying against hard surfaces. But they are doing good and eating well.”
Thanks to numerous phone calls received from the public after Thelma and Louise’s photos were posted on CPD’s Facebook page, the owner of the dogs was found and charged, though their identity and details of the case are not being released at this time.
“As soon as it hit Facebook,” Ruggles advised, “the calls began to pour in as to who owned the dogs. The case is still under investigation, so not a lot can be revealed.”
Thelma and Louise have been seen and treated by Hotham’s Veterinary Services in Presque Isle with a great deal of follow-up care necessary to get them healthy again and on the road to adoption.
According to Robinson, even with all they’ve been subjected to, the dogs are very good-natured.
“They are absolute sweethearts!” she said.
Ruggles praised CAHS for taking the animals in and their quick action to get them the necessary treatment.
“These dogs need extensive medical attention,” he commented. “My hope is that the shelter is able to get help for their care.”
Anyone interested in donating money or items to CAHS may call 764-3441 for more information.
