MSPCA rescues dog who chewed off his own foot while trying to escape leash
Maverick, a 2-year-old German Shepherd, chewed off part of his foot after being left tied up for days.
A 2-year-old German Shepherd who chewed off part of his own foot while tied up is now safe and will soon be available for adoption, according to a release from the MSPCA-Angell.
“This is one of the most egregious cases of neglect we’ve seen and our first priority is to gather the resources necessary to treat him—then we will do all we can to find the caring home he deserves,” Alyssa Krieger, the adoption center manager at MSPCA-Angell, said in the release.
MSPCA officers seized the dog, whose name is Maverick, earlier this month after animal control officers found him in Middleborough. He was rushed to a clinic for treatment to the severe wound on his back right foot.
Officials estimate that the tether had been twisted around Maverick’s leg for days, or even a few weeks.
“Clearly he had been entangled by his own leash many times in the past; unfortunately he was unable to free himself this last time,” MSPCA Officer Chelsea Weiand said in the release.
In addition to missing part of his back right foot, officials said Maverick was emaciated and covered in scars from other times he had been restrained. His former owner, Kevin Kennedy, of Middleborough, faces charges of felony animal cruelty for neglect and failure to pursue necessary veterinary care, officials said. He will be arraigned in Wareham District Court next month.
On Wednesday, Maverick will undergo a second, specialized surgery to reconstruct a functioning foot, rather than amputating the entire back right leg. While some dogs manage to walk with just three legs, Maverick also suffers from damage to his hips that would prohibit him from doing so, the release said.
Instead, the surgery will involve using the padding on his injured foot to support the remaining piece that now bears the most weight, hopefully allowing Maverick to use it.
The surgery is priced at more than $5,000, and the MSPCA is seeking donations to cover the costs.
“This is the only option before us that ensures Maverick’s foot can sustain normal wear and tear,” Dr. Mike Pavletic, who will perform the surgery, said in the release. “He will get a second chance for a normal and pain-free life—and if any dog deserves that, it’s Maverick.”
Recovery time following Maverick’s surgery is expected to take two weeks. Following that, he’ll be placed up for adoption.
The MSPCA asks anyone interested in adopting Maverick to contact them at [email protected].
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