SAN ANTONIO – A severely neglected dog, found wandering around San Antonio's southside, is now on the road to recovery.
But it's going to be a long road for the little terrier mix now known as 'Roosevelt.'
The small dog, who veterinarians with the Animal Defense League of Texas estimate is about two years old, suffers from sarcoptic mange.
"It causes him to scratch himself," said Hugo Vital, Communications Director with the ADL. "It's very similar to a mosquito bite. When we scratch ourselves, it causes open sores, and that's what he's suffering from."
Vital says Roosevelt's condition likely is the result of severe neglect, possibly by a former owner. "It was probably someone who just noticed that he had mange," said Vital. "They really just didn't want anything to do with it, abandoned him, and allowed Roosevelt to get this bad."
Fortunately for Roosevelt, help came in the form of a CPS Energy worker who saw the little dog while on her meter runs. She had been working in the area around Roosevelt Avenue, thus the little dog's new name. "She noticed this little dog... the suffering that he's probably going through, the hair loss and all the other things," said Vital. "She didn't want to leave him because she knew he was suffering."
The CPS Energy worker ended her shift, returned to the area where she first saw Roosevelt, and picked him up. "She brought him to us because she knew we would find him a home."
Vital says Roosevelt is on antibiotics and other medications to treat the infections and sores he's suffering from, as well as the underlying mange which caused his injuries. In two to four weeks, he should be well enough to be moved into a foster home.
"We do not recommend anyone fostering Roosevelt if they have other dogs in the home... because he is contagious and he could transmit that to other pets at home," said Vital.
Vital also says that, although Roosevelt is currently categorized as a terrier mix, that could change. "He's missing a lot of hair, so that breed category that we have him under could actually change," said Vital. "we could see a totally different dog once he recovers completely."
If you are interested in fostering Roosevelt, you can find out more information on the ADL website or you can call the Foster Coordinator at 210-655-1481. The ADL also is accepting tax-deductible donations to help pay for Roosevelt's medical care. Contributions can be made to the:
- Roosevelt Recovery Fund
- 11300 Nacogdoches Rd.
- San Antonio, Texas 78217