The dog is now recovering from an amputation and looking for adoption.
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Pets Alive! found a labradoodle abandoned and tethered to a tree with a mangled leg, and now it's looking to get him adopted.
Dr. Alexis Bardzinski had to amputate his leg, which was already mangled when manager Lauren Heymann found him on July 3 near the APA! shelter, tied to a tree. They named the 3-year-old Independence Day.
“There wasn't any fur or anything,” said Heymann. “I could see that there was already bone exposure. So it was already very badly infected at that point.”
Heymann said it appeared Independence Day had been tied to the tree for hours and already had bandages on the infected paw, making them believe the doodle had been taken to the vet the day before.
PHOTOS: Abandoned Labradoodle needs mangled leg amputated
“This probably would have cost thousands and thousands of dollars to treat,” said Heymann.
Heymann said the previous owners probably couldn't afford it. Dr. Bardzinski said she's seen an increase in pets being abandoned because of this.
“It's hard nowadays with inflation and costs and vet care going up,” said Dr. Bardzinski.
On top of that, many local shelters are not taking pets because they're overcrowded.
According to a 2024 USA Today survey, the cost of pet food is up 25% since 2020, and vet care is now 11% more expensive than it was in 2022.
Heymann said APA! has a program that helps pet owners with medical care expenses. It's called Positive Alternatives To Shelter Surrender or P.A.S.S.
“They can help you raise funds,” said Heymann.
As for Independence Day, he's expected to be walking again by Tuesday and fully recovered in two weeks. He's up for foster or adoption. Dr. Bardzinski said he's a sweet dog.
“He's a very, easygoing dog,” said Dr. Bardzinski. “Very good. You know, we've just had him in the kennel, very sweet, loving.”
APA said his surgery cost $3,000. He also needs thousands of dollars worth of wound therapy and bandage care.
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