SHELBY COUNTY, Ky. — WARNING: This story contains graphic content that some may find disturbing.
A severely emaciated hound dog that was found wandering alone in Shelby County last week is now in foster care.
The Arrow Fund (TAF), a non-profit organization dedicated to healing abused and severely neglected animals, was contacted by an animal shelter in Shelby County about helping an adult female hound who was in need of medical care and extensive rehabilitation, according to a news release.
On Feb. 8, TAF had the dog, since named "Journey", evaluated by veterinarians at Blue Pearl Animal Hospital. They said she was in "terrible condition."
The following day, TAF said veterinarians conducted multiple tests and X-rays. They discovered that Journey had no internal or external parasites, was heartworm negative, had no debris in her stomach, and her chest X-rays were clear.
Veterinarians did find out that she was anemic, but they said this was normal due to her emaciated state.
"This sweet dog was a walking skeleton, and it’s a miracle she’s alive and expected to recover," a spokesperson for TAF said.
The non-profit said Journey was very weak and weighed 35 pounds, which the average weight for an adult female bloodhound is between 80-100 pounds.
TAF noted that Journey was on IV fluids, which included antibiotics for the infected wound on her back.
On Feb. 13, Journey was released from the hospital into foster care from TAF where she is expected to make a full recovery. TAF said they would cover all of her expenses to make sure that she gets the best care imaginable.
“Sometimes, we don’t know exactly what cruelty or neglect an animal has suffered, but we can make sure they never experience anything but love, medical support, and complete care from humans ever again,” Thom Ham, executive director of TAF, said. “I’m not sure of the road she’s been on, but the ‘journey’ she’ll have from these days forward will be filled with lots of love—and a full bowl.”
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