Abused dog donations could help other animals

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Hope, who was found with her snout taped shut and with multiple injuries, may inspire help for other abused animals from a fund that is coming out of donations given to help the dog. There have been more than enough funds to cover her expenses, so the county would like to set aside money to help other abused animals. COURTESY PHOTO

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July 20, 2012

Abused dog donations could help other animals

Judy Sheridan CNHI The Weatherford Democrat Fri Jul 20, 2012, 08:01 AM CDT

PARKER COUNTY — As part of a special budget agenda Thursday, Parker County commissioners voted to set up an abused animal fund in the general fund budget, accept more than $9,500 in donations from those moved by the plight of the abused dog Hope, and authorize the sheriff’s department to accept donations for abused animals.

County Judge Mark Riley, who made the motion, said the county attorney recommended commissioners set up the fund.

“Obviously, the situation is almost gone,” Riley said, “but this way we have money to do for others as they come up.”

The county will keep a record of the amount of each donation, according to auditor Mike Rhoten, along with the name and address of each donor.

According to the sheriff’s office, donations are still coming in on behalf of the small pug-mix dog christened Hope, still recovering from the vicious and unusual injuries she suffered at the hand of a still unknown assailant.

Sheriff Larry Fowler said $9,000 in donations would be added to the $1,000 reward offered through Crime Stoppers for information leading to the arrest of those who tortured the animal, whose rescue made national news.

An anonymous donor has also pledged $25,000, but that is separate from the fund, Fowler said.

If the person or persons responsible for the abuse is not apprehended, he said, each donor will be contacted to see if they want their funds returned, put in the new fund to pay for medical treatment or reward money for other abused animals, or donated to the local animal shelter.

Fowler said he received everything from five $1 bills to a $1,000 check for Hope, found wandering in circles July 9, her snout taped shut over her swollen, protruding tongue, dehydrated and bleeding from severe body cuts.

People from all over the United States responded to the news of Hope’s torture and rescue, Fowler said, as well as some from London, The Netherlands and Russia.

The dog has been adopted by Charlie and Kit Moncrief, who own the ranch where she was found.