Emaciated dog rescued from park in Chester
UPPER PROVIDENCE » Providence Animal Center is caring for an emaciated dog after he was found abandoned and left to die in a Chester park on Tuesday.
Sly, a young adult large mixed-breed male, arrived at the center after its Humane Society police officers received a call about a dog in a Chester park that was having trouble breathing. Humane Officer Ron Riggle arrived at Deshong Park shortly before 1 p.m. Alongside 11th and Crosby Streets, he discovered a large, underweight dog lying on a blue blanket tucked into the brush. The dog was so thin he was unable to lift his head.
Upon intake, Sly weighed 50 pounds, estimated at half or more than half of what should be his normal body weight. His stomach and arm area were shaved, as if he had received an ultrasound or a catheter recently. Diagnostics revealed a blockage in his intestines. Veterinarians performed an emergency foreign body removal surgery, and a rope toy was removed from his large intestines. Sly survived the surgery and is currently receiving round-the-clock treatment.
The Providence Animal Center team named the dog Sly after actor Sylvester Stallone, in honor of Stallone’s role in the film “Rocky” and the dog’s fighting spirit.
Currently, Providence Animal Center humane officers are seeking information from local vets regarding Sly’s condition, and ultimately, his abandonment. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 610-566-1370, ext. 214, or contact rriggle@Providenceac.org
April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Month. Members of the public are encouraged to report all instances of potential animal cruelty within Delaware and Chester counties to Providence Animal Center. The tip could save a life like Sly’s.
Providence Animal Center, formerly Delco SPCA, is a lifesaving organization based in Upper Providence. To learn more about Providence Animal Center or to make a donation to support Sly’s ongoing medical care, visit www.providenceac.org.