MIDDLEBOROUGH, MA (WHDH) – The MSPCA has received more than 1,000 calls from people looking to adopt a dog who chewed off its own foot, desperately trying to escape from a tether that had become twisted around his leg for “days, if not weeks.”
The dog, Maverick, was found in Middleborough by an animal control officer and rushed to an animal clinic on July 12.
Officials said the 2-year-old German Shepherd chewed off his own foot trying to escape. His other legs were covered in rope burns and scars that had healed over.
Maverick underwent a two-hour surgery Tuesday to repair his right rear paw. Doctors said he will require several more days in the hospital so doctors can monitor his progress.
He will need to wear a protective boot for several months, but doctors said in time his paw should heal completely.
The animal control officer who found the dog, Chelsea Weiland, said the dog had clearly been tangled many times in the past but was unable to free himself this time.
The dog’s previous owner, Kevin Kennedy of Middleborough, was charged with one count of felony animal cruelty. He will be arraigned in Wareham District Court on August 18.
The MSPCA said the adoption center is asking anyone who is interested in adopting Maverick to come to the adoption center during business hours to complete an application and to meet Maverick.
The MSPCA will be accepting applications until Saturday, July 30 and a decision about Maverick’s new home will be made shortly thereafter.
More than $57,000 in donations have come through to help support Maverick and his recovery.
Officials said this is much more than what it will cost for his care — about $5,000 — so the remaining money will stay in a restricted fund which helps offset the medical care for thousands of animals every year.
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