A tiny little dachshund who was thrown in the trash in Philadelphia with a broken spine is now getting a whole new lease on life.
The pup, now named Frances, has received a miniature canine wheelchair to help her walk, and was recently adopted, according to the Pennsylvania SPCA.
On January 18th, Frances was found in a garbage bag by a good Samaritan, according to SPCA spokeswoman Gillian Kocher.
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Dachshunds are notoriously afflicted with back and spinal issues. Frances probably developed spinal issues or incurred an injury after a bad jump or series of jumps. Clearly, the owners were not up to getting her the medical care she needed. So, she was thrown away in a bag like trash.
Kocher suspects the pup had been there for at least a day before she was found. Upon her rescue, veterinarians at Penn Vet's Ryan Hospital discovered that the pup had a permanent spinal injury which rendered her paralyzed. Because of this, she would be required to use a canine wheelchair if she was going to be able to walk.
Thankfully, Frances was granted the wheelchair and therefore a second chance at living a full and happy life.
Despite her injury and the need for a miniature wheelchair, Kocher reports that Frances has been able to thrive. According to Kocher, Frances, loves to be the center of attention, adores being held, and is often found playing.
Luckily, this tale of careless tragedy has a very happy ending. Frances was recently taken home by the Gacono family from Annville, Pennsylvania. She went home to two dachshund siblings.
Astonishingly, Frances is the second dog in a short period to be discarded in a trashbag in this area of Pennsylvania. It's possible that the same person or people are responsible for both crimes.
The PSPCA is still looking for whoever is responsible for this horrific act. The PSPCA Director of Humane Law Enforcement, Nicole Wilson, released a statement saying:
“Dogs are not trash, and we urge anyone with information about this dog and the situation that led to its abandonment to come forward.”
If you or anyone you know has information about this, please call the organization’s cruelty hotline at (866)-601-7722. You can leave your tip anonymously.
If you or anyone you know has information about this, please call the organization’s cruelty hotline at (866)-601-7722. You can leave your tip anonymously.
The PSPCA also urges members of the public to sign the Libre’s Law Petition, which seeks out harsher penalties for animal abusers. Currently in Pennsylvania, people (even those who kill animals) are not subject to a felony charge for the abuse.
You can also help the PSPCA combat and prevent these crimes by donating to the organization directly.
