I honestly thought Ed the basset hound's medical condition was the worst case of neglect until I read about Tonka's condition in the New Hampshire Union Leader yesterday. Believe me, Ed looked scarily skinny when I met him on December 21st but if I saw Tonka's exposed bones on December 27th I would have been more horrified than ever.
Who could look at this dog and not think to feed him? And who could look into Tonka's eyes and not realize he needs medical attention? Apparently Tonka's owner did not look too closely at his/her family pet but thankfully Tonka's neighbors did what the owner should have done long ago; they called for help. When Manchester Animal Control Officer Neal Vogler arrived at the scene he stated that this was the worst case of animal neglect that he had ever seen.
When the officer brought Tonka into the Veterinary Emergency Center of Manchester, Tonka had wounds to his tail that required amputation due to loss of blood flow, decubital ulcers which are like bedsores for humans, and frostbite on his feet. In addition, Tonka only weighed 29 pounds which is half of what he should weigh to be considered healthy.
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| This is what Tonka looked like this morning! What a difference 13 days make! |
Tonka has reportedly gained 7 pounds and is enjoying a routine of diet and exercise at the emergency center. However, the long term effects of neglect will require that Tonka receive multiple surgeries which The Friends of Manchester Animal Shelter is covering but there is also an established "Tonka Medical Fund" to help cover Tonka's medical bills, which are nearing $2,000. She said any money donated to the fund either online or by mail will go toward Tonka's medical expenses.
Donations to Tonka's medical fund can be sent here:
FMAS
P.O. Box 393
Manchester, NH 03105
Or:
Manchester Animal Shelter 490 Dunbarton Rd. Manchester, NH 03102
