The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is caring for a six-month-old puppy named Leo after rescuing him from a sewer in the 12000th block of Manor on Detroit’s west side. The dog, believed to be a Shepherd mix, is being treated for dehydration, severe emaciation and demodicosis. His prognosis is guarded.
---Leo was found in a Detroit sewer
"We don't know how long he was down there or exactly how he got there," said Chris Ouwerkerk, the MHS Rescue driver who came to the puppy’s aid. "You can see every rib. He obviously hadn’t eaten in days or weeks. He's not in great shape, but he was definitely happy to be out of there, and we're glad a kind person contacted us in time."
A passerby walking her pet heard a dog's yelps from a nearby alley and contacted MHS' Rescue Department. MHS rescue personnel rushed to the scene to find an open manhole cover and the dog trapped several feet down at the bottom of the sewer. Leo is being held as a stray animal for four days, in accordance with state law, at the MHS Detroit Center for Animal Care.
Though Leo looks to be a medium-sized dog and is six months old, he weighs just 11 pounds. He is suffering from a weakened immune system as result of his emaciation and dehydration, placing him much more at risk from diseases like parvovirus or from a serious infection. The MHS veterinary team will continue to care for and monitor Leo’s condition as he gains weight and, hopefully, recovers from his ordeal. However, Leo’s condition is very serious and will require significant medical care over the coming weeks.
For more information about the MHS Cruelty Investigation and Rescue Department or to make a donation to rescue and care for animals like Leo, please call 1-866-MHUMANE (648-6263), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit www.michiganhumane.org.
The Michigan Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization which cares for more than 100,000 animals each year, while working to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values.
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