Bambi. (Photo Source: Timothy A. Bennett/The Cortland Voice)
An investigation is ongoing involving a dog that was found in a box on a road in the town of Cortlandville at the beginning of March, according to representatives from the Cortland County SPCA.
Kelly Brown, senior investigator at the Cortland County SPCA, noted in a recent interview on March 26 with The Cortland Voice that a bystander on the morning of March 5 noticed a dog in an open cardboard box on the side of East Holl Road in Cortlandville.
An officer on call for the Cortland County SPCA Law Enforcement Department picked up the dog and brought her to the shelter.
“I named her Bambi because of the way she curls up in a tiny ball like a little fawn. She’s all legs, like a deer,” the foster parent stated. The foster parent has fostered dogs and cats “for years.”
According to a release from the SPCA, following the incident, Bambi was “taken for initial veterinary examination.” Initial findings found that Bambi was “severely underweight with little or no body fat,” the release states.
The release notes that Bambi is “approximately a 4-year old” and a “Pitbull in breed.”
“It appeared, the veterinarian stated, that Bambi had been malnourished for some time,” the release noted. The release also mentioned that Bambi had “excoriations on her head, hind limbs and tail.”
The anonymous foster parent said in an interview with The Cortland Voice that Bambi continued to have issues with her tail.
“We’re not sure how she got (the wound) on her tail,” the foster parent said, who added Bambi is afflicted with a happy tail. “She’s so happy and exciting all of the time that she’s constantly wagging her tail.”
“When there’s a wound on it, it’s really hard to treat,” the foster parent continued. “She kept knocking her tail on things and reopened the wound.”
The veterinarian, the foster parent said, ultimately recommended removing part of Bambi’s tail that had the wound.
The procedure to remove the wounded part of the tail took place on March 25. “It’s going to start getting healthier because the infected part of the tail is no longer there,” the foster parent said.
Since the foster parent brought Bambi under her care, she’s been able to “monitor her weight growth, and keep her well-fed and warm.”
“I really wanted a quiet house for Bambi to relax in. She needed some down time after her surgery and tail amputation,” the foster parent said. “So far, she’s gaining weight and getting back into better condition with her body.”
Brown noted the SPCA has received a few leads on who’s responsible for abandoning Bambi, but added there’s “nothing definitive.”
“We’re working hard to find the person or persons responsible for leaving (Bambi),” Brown said.
Kelly Brown & Bambi. (Photo Source: Timothy A. Bennett/The Cortland Voice)
The SPCA has received $3,000 in donations. Each of the donations are $1,000 apiece from the New York State Humane Association (NYSHA), The Lucky Pupp in Syracuse and the Cuse Pit Crew. It is in the form of an award for those who assist in successfully finding those involved in Bambi’s abandonment.
Brown gave shoutouts to Pat Valusek of the NYSHA, Stephanie Hatch of the Cuse Pit Crew and representatives from The Lucky Pupp for providing donations. The Lucky Pupp also provided a care package, Brown added.
“They were generous in giving (the rewards),” she said.
The foster parent, who already currently owns a dog, doesn’t plan to adopt Bambi.
“She’s been such a wonderful pet,” the foster parent added. “There’s a family out there that’s better suited for (Bambi). They can devote a lot of time and energy caring for her and getting her back on the right track.”
To provide information or an anonymous tip on the investigation revolving around Bambi’s abandonment, reach out to Brown at 607-749-0824 or [email protected]. All information will be kept confidential.
Bambi before the surgery found in a box. (Photo Source: Cortland County SPCA)
Bambi before the surgery. (Photo Source: Cortland County SPCA).
Bambi. (Photo Source: Cortland County SPCA).
