WASHINGTON– A Mastiff found extremely malnourished in Prince George’s County earlier this month is on the road to recovery.
Violet – as she’s been named by those caring for her – was found weighing just 56.4 pounds. Healthy Mastiffs typically weigh around 150 pounds.
“Her case is definitely one of the more severe of the starvation cases I’ve seen,” says Melanie Samet, President and Founder of the Mutts Matter Rescue Program. Violet was found after someone called a tip into police in Clinton, Maryland., on Feb. 8.
“Their rescue department contacted us because they knew that they could not provide the care that she needed right away,” Samet explains. “She basically needed immediate 24-7 medical care.”
Violet is now with a foster family and is making progress. “She’s eating 5 small meals a day, and she is slowly putting on some weight,” Samet says.
But all those meals and constant care can get expensive.
“We set up a food fund because she’s eating so frequently that its costing the rescue $200-$250 a week.” Samet explains.
Violet now also has a Facebook page for anyone who would like to follow her on her road to recovery. Daily updates on Violet’s progress are being posted on that page.
“She’s improving every day.” Samet says. “Physically, I’m hoping that she is out of the woods, but I’m sure that mentally she will have some scars.”
The Humane Society is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who can help arrest, and convict, whoever did this to Violet.
Anyone with information that could help solve the case should call the Prince George’s County’s Animal Management Division at 301-780-7241.
