NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A 7-week-old puppy was found with severe burns after being dumped on a road in Ruskin.
Devlynn Saunders is with Rugaz Rescue, the nonprofit animal rescue caring for a puppy named Ma'vie.
"She was found in Ruskin on the side of the road. She wasn’t doing very well. She had a little bit of heat stroke," said Saunders.
Dr. Michael Canfield is a veterinarian with Animal Dermatology South in New Port Richey and is treating the dog for thermal burns. He believes the burns happened as the result of an accident.
Canfield said sometimes people use water hoses left outside to cool off dogs, which is a common occurrence. He said he treats animals a couple of times a year for similar burns.
"When they spray that dog, trying to cool off, they usually start right down the top of their back and they get a third-degree burn or a full-thickness thermal injury and they'll usually lose that tissue in a few days," said Dr. Canfield.
Ma'vie needs around-the-clock care, including medicated soaks several times a day, topical and oral antibiotics, and daily laser therapy to help with the pain. She must be kept in a sterile medical environment and monitored for infections.
“Ma’vie has an amazing spirit. Even though she is in a lot of pain, she is trying to give kisses to the medical staff while her wounds are cleaned and medicated throughout the day,” said Devilyn Saunders, who is helping to provide care until she is stable. “She’s an incredibly sweet puppy. It’s heartbreaking to watch her endure this pain," said Saunders.
Ma'vie's recovery will likely take three to six weeks. After she recovers, she will be available for adoption. For more information on adopting or fostering, email adoptions@RugazRescue.com.
Donations to help provide Ma’vie with the necessary veterinary care to recover from the burns can be made directly to Regency Park Animal Hospital, located at 7741 Congress St., by calling 727-848-6247. Donations can also be made directly to the rescue organization via Zelle at RugazRescue@Gmail.com or CashApp at $RugazRescue.
