In a disheartening turn of events in Hillsborough County, three canines were discovered abandoned and in severe distress in a wooded area behind Blessings Gas Station on US 41 in Lutz. The dogs, identified as Blessing, Hope, and Spirit, all Pointer/Hound mixes weighing a mere 16 pounds each, were rescued by two young girls and immediately taken to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, as WTSP reported.
Upon arrival, it was clear Blessing, the mother, was in critical condition, virtually unable to lift her head or stand, and was diagnosed as parvo-positive, a disease that considerably reduced her survival chances to 50%; Hope and Spirit, believed to be her two-year-old puppies, were also suffering but in less dire straits, according to WFLA News Channel 8. Hillsborough County Animal Control has launched an investigation into this case, and the Humane Society is appealing to the public for any information that could lead to identifying the responsible individual or individuals..
Horrified by the dogs' plight, the local community has rallied in support, with donations accumulating rapidly, notable among them a $5,000 contribution towards a reward fund by actor and animal rights advocate Dave Bautista, and with another anonymous supporter adding $250, the reward total has reached $5,750 as stated by FOX 13.
"This is one of the most horrific cases we’ve seen in a long time," the Humane Society declared in a bleak statement, the organization resolved to fight for the lives of the afflicted animals, emotion underscored by the declaration "Our hearts are shattered... but we are determined to fight for their lives."
