A Sweet Story

Photos of Sweet Pea healed:

Sweet Pea

On October 8, 2008, a Pinellas County Sheriff Detective approached a resident’s home just east of downtown Palm Harbor. The resident was a person of interest in a few local crimes. Upon first approach, the house appeared abandoned to the Detective. He then saw the Progress Energy notice attached to the front door which indicated the power had been turned off three weeks prior. Then he noticed a tremendous stench permeating from within the house. Upon knocking on the door and identifying himself, the Detective was met with an unsuspecting sound – the half bark, half whimper of a dog.

At that point, the Detective called Suncoast Animal League for assistance in removing the dog. He also called for additional Sheriff Deputies to assist with appropriate security measures. Within a short period of time, everyone arrived at the Palm Harbor address, to rescue the dog.

Inside, the house was incredibly hot and the air was stagnant, making it difficult to breathe. It was filthy and covered in feces and urine, but the dog was no where to be found. We followed the soft whimpering sound of a dog crying and finally found her locked in a back bedroom.

Scared and shaking, she was hiding under a chair which was covered with a pile of debris. Kneeling down to meet her, all I could see were her wide, frightened Pit Bull eyes starting back at me, wondering what was going to happen next. I wondered the same thing as I placed the control pole around her neck and pulled her from the disgusting hiding place.

To everyone’s shock, we discovered an emaciated dog, with a large tumor hanging from her belly. She was clearly not in good condition, and with a little examination of the room, we all knew why. No food or water was present for the dog. It was amazing the dog was still alive.

As we turned to leave the room the abandoned dog had been locked in, we noticed that the wooden door of the room was completely shredded on the inside. It appeared as if the dog had made a gallant attempt to escape. A few more frantic attempts and she probably would have clawed her way through it. Further underlining her panic state of mind, the round, metal door knob was chewed to a tiny one inch square. So sad, so unnecessary.

After the Sheriff Deputy crime scene photographer took photos for evidence, Suncoast Animal League too the abused dog to the AA Animal Emergency Clinic in Palm Harbor for an extensive evaluation. What should have been a 50 lb dog had dwindled down to only 34. It was also discovered at that time that this scared Pit Bull was a lover and not a fighter.

Since October 8th, “Sweet Pea”, as she is applicably named, has gained most of her weight back. Her tumor was successfully removed and she is getting stronger every day. Her prognosis is great.

In the mean time, her former owner has been found and charged with animal cruelty. He has also signed over custody of “Sweet Pea” to Suncoast Animal League so she is currently ready to be adopted.

Suncoast Animal League would like to thank the Pinellas County Detective and the Sheriff Deputies who not only were there on Sweet Pea's behalf but located and charged the person responsible for her abuse.

If you are interested in fostering Sweet Pea, please contact the Suncoast League office or if you are interested in helping with her $800 medical bill, you can do so through PayPal, downloading our donation form, contacting the League's office at 727-786-1330 or mailing a check to:

1030 Pennsylvania Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34683

Please keep Sweet Pea in you thoughts and prayers because she still has a few issues to overcome. Fortunately, abuse isn't one of them.