news-record.com

Updated Aug. 24: Updates to this story can be found here: http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/08/24/article/burned_puppy_doing_much_better

The puppy found burned and abandoned in a park south of Greensboro on Thursday is hanging in there.

“She’s doing fine,” said Marsha Williams, executive director of the Guilford County Animal Shelter. “She’s alert, and she’s eating well.”

Perhaps what is more remarkable is her capacity for forgiveness.

“She’s begging to be held all the time,” Williams said. “She’s not afraid of humans.”

The puppy was sedated again Saturday to have maggots removed from under her skin. Her broken jaw and teeth still need to be tended to. Williams doesn’t know yet how much her medical bills will cost, but so far, about $500 has been spent giving her fluids, keeping her clean and removing the maggots. Much of the cost will depend on whether a veterinarian will donate services for her care, Williams said.

A member of the animal shelter board is fostering the puppy during her recovery.

The mixed-breed pit bull puppy is about 10 weeks old, officials said Friday. They believe she was tortured and abandoned about two weeks before she was found by a man walking through Greenfield Park.

Donations for her medical bills can be made to: Guilford County Animal Control Coalition; P.O. Box 8; Jamestown, N.C. 27282 or by stopping by the shelter at 4525 W. Wendover Ave.