INDIANAPOLIS — Just 48 hours after a man found an injured dog tied to a pole on the East Side, that dog is now receiving around-the-clock care. It comes after some people sprung into action, working to help save the dog's life.
Taylor, a one-year-old female pit bull, is receiving care at Noah's Westside Animal Hospital. The doctor in charge of that care said it's going to be a long road ahead for her recovery.
It appears she was hit by a car and left to suffer for more than 24 hours. Taylor is soaking up the love from two people who were complete strangers days ago.
Scott Marks is with FIDO's Lot Dog Rescue. On Sunday, a man posted on an Irvington Facebook page that he found an injured dog that was tied to a pole on the East Side. Marks is the one who rushed to the area to help.
"She was tied to a post in an alley with a shoestring," Marks said. "She was in shock, just scared to death. Shaking and the wounds were just horrific. So I took her as fast as I could."
Amanda Ryan with Redemption Rescue received a call from Marks, who asked if she could take in Taylor. She has a love for helping pit bulls and often rescues dogs that are in need of medical care. Taylor was taken to Animal Control and then to Noah's Westside Animal Hospital, where she will stay for at least the next week.
"Yes, it's heartbreaking to me, but I look at it and I go, 'We have to handle it,'" Ryan said. There's no time for crying or tears or trying to figure out what in town. It's just how do I fix it? It is my soft spot. I've been in animal rescue for 10 years and predominately, the pittys are the underdogs. They are overpopulated, over-bred and we see the worst abuse with them."
Taylor's doctor, Mark Petersmann, said she has severe injuries to both of her front legs that are consistent with being dragged on the ground.
"That left leg is in critical condition right now, and we are doing everything we can to save it and maintain the blood supply and allow it to work," Petersmann said.
Taylor's care is expected to cost between $5,000 and $6,000. Half of that money has already been raised through the Fido and Redemption Rescue Facebook pages, but even more is needed.
Ryan hopes by sharing what happen to Taylor, people will learn it's never OK to leave a dog to suffer.
"Accidents happen and people hit animals all the time, and you've just got to know what to do," she said. "The process to do is make sure you contact the authorities and request help, especially if you are in Marion County, at the Mayor's Action Line."
Since doctors say Taylor was hit by a car, Animal Control is no longer investigating. They said it is likely a well-intentioned person found Taylor and tied her up, but anyone with information is asked to report it.
