Surviving the Odds: Puppy Found in Dumpster, Accidentally Burned

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Updated: 11:24 PM Feb 14, 2012

Cats may have nine lives, but one dog is putting up quite a fight. Rudy was found in a dumpster and then suffered serious grease burns. But after getting treatment in Charlottesville, he will soon be ready for adoption.

Posted: 6:36 PM Feb 14, 2012
Reporter: Chris Stover
Email Address: chris.stover@newsplex.com

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February 14, 2012

A Roanoke couple found 8-week-old Rudy in a dumpster last week. They planned to take the Labrador-mix to the local SPCA, however things went terribly wrong a few days later.

"Over the weekend, while they had him, he had an accident where a pot of hot grease was spilled on him," said Dr. Jason Wheeler, of Virginia Veterinary Specialists (VVS).

Rudy has 3rd degree burns all over his body and open wounds where he's lost skin. After hearing about Rudy's problems, Dr. Wheeler, who works at VVS off Airport Road in Charlottesville, decided he wanted to help out.

"I feel like a lot of very large wounds could have some great outcomes. They just need some advanced surgical techniques to be able to get them closed," he said.

Rudy quickly got the attention of everyone caring for him. He spends the day running and jumping just like any other puppy. While it may not look very comfortable, Dr. Wheeler says Rudy is beyond the worst of the treatments.

"He's a puppy and they tend to rebound from a lot of stuff that happens to them," he said.

Through a series of procedures, Dr. Wheeler says 90 percent of Rudy's open scars will be closed by the end of the week. the next step will be finding the lovable Lab a home in Charlottesville. The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA will step in to care for Rudy and will make sure he finds a loving home once he's back to full health.

Latest Comments

Posted by: DNR on Feb 16, 2012 at 01:49 PM

All pet owners should have a DNR on file with the vet. This would make it easier for the pet owner in having to make a costly decision. We do it for people why not animals?

Posted by: Anita Location: Virginia on Feb 16, 2012 at 01:07 PM

It should be noted that this puppy received emergency care for several days at EVS in Roanoke and would not have made it to Charlottesville without their excellent work. Props to EVS for getting him stable enough to go to Charlottesville. :-) These folks do a great job!

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 15, 2012 at 01:57 PM

clearly you didn't read the article because the puppy is doing amazingly well and not suffering at all. why should you put down an animal that has an opportunity to live a fun and long life??? know your facts.

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