 Luke, a 10-year-old German shepherd was removed from his former home after he was discovered without food or water. He couldn't stand and had open wounds. He may require a wheelchair to walk, and his future is uncertain. Courtesy photo.
LAKE COUNTY – An Animal Care and Control official reported Monday that an aging dog rescued as part of a cruelty case is going to need some extra help if he's to survive.
Officer Eric Wood seized “Luke,” a 10-year-old German shepherd, earlier this month, as Lake County News reported over the weekend.
Wood found the dog at a home where he had been left with no food or water, and unable to stand, in the hot sun. The dog had matted hair filled with stickers and foxtails, and open wounds filled with maggots from trying to drag himself around the yard.
On Monday, Wood visited Luke at Clearlake Veterinary Clinic where he's receiving care.
Luke is unable to use his hindquarters, said Wood.
The best-case scenario is to fit the dog with a wheelchair, said Wood. That would require finding a rescue situation once the dog becomes county property.
“He has maybe a year left of life, that's with the wheelchair,” said Wood.
Still, that may not be a likely alternative, considering the expense – Wood said a wheelchair needed to fit a dog Luke's size – he's overweight at about 120 pounds – would range in price between $600 and $1,000, a high cost considering that Luke may not have much time.
Another dog recently seized by Animal Care and Control – Whiskey, a young female pit bull who was hit by a semi truck – continues to recover under the care of Wasson Memorial Veterinary Clinic, said Wood.
“Everything is still looking good for her,” he said, adding that Whiskey may be released from the vet hospital this week.
Both dogs are remaining in protective custody, with animal cruelty cases against their owners heading to the District Attorney's Office, Wood said.
Wood said the names of the owners have still not been released.
Anyone interested in helping Luke should call Lake County Animal Care and Control, 263-0278.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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