NH SPCA rescues neglected dog living in squalor: 'This one really hit me'

Special to Seacoastonline
·2 min read
101

STRATHAM — The New Hampshire SPCA assisted the Barrington Police Department in the removal of a severely neglected dog from a home Wednesday, which, they said, was living in squalor.

The dog is now in the care and custody of the New Hampshire SPCA in Stratham and is expected to make a full recovery.

“Responding to calls about cruelty or neglect is what I’m used to,” said Tona McCarthy, an investigator for the NHSPCA. “This was a particularly severe case involving just a truly sweet older dog. It’s always difficult, but this one really hit me.”

The NHSPCA was called by a concerned community member reporting what appeared to be an extremely skinny dog. Upon follow-up, they discovered Striker, a 10-year-old mixed breed, was living in squalid conditions with dog waste all over the floors. They said the dog’s ribs were easily visible through his skin, hips protruding, and his eye sunken.

The New Hampshire SPCA assisted the Barrington Police Department in the removal of a severely neglected dog from a home Wednesday.
The New Hampshire SPCA assisted the Barrington Police Department in the removal of a severely neglected dog from a home Wednesday.

In Exeter:Stolen check from EZ Mart robbery deposited. Suspect arrested at Logan Airport.

The dog’s owner voluntarily surrendered Striker, they said, realizing the dog could be living a better life.

NH SPCA nursing Striker back to health

Upon arrival at the NH SPCA, Striker was able to eat and drink and officials said he seemed genuinely grateful for the care he was receiving. The veterinary exam showed a body scale score of 1 on a scale of 1-8. He was emaciated and dehydrated.

Striker, a 10-year-old mixed breed dog who was living in squalid conditions, was rescued Wednesday by the New Hampshire SPCA.
Striker, a 10-year-old mixed breed dog who was living in squalid conditions, was rescued Wednesday by the New Hampshire SPCA.

Veterinarians said Striker is suffering from an apparent injury or infection in his ears, and what appears to be an untreated abscess in his mouth. Striker, they said, has needed veterinary care for some time but has received none.

“Striker will have a fairly long road to recovery,” said Lisa Dennison, executive director of the New Hampshire SPCA. “We will be feeding him four times a day, providing medical treatment and helping to ensure that he carefully regains the weight that he needs. He is a very lucky dog to have been rescued before it was too late."

Drive Free or Die?:NH considers restricting pets in cars

Dennison said they are grateful for the person who called to let them know the dog needed help and for the Barrington police, who "acted quickly and in the best interest of the dog.”

Striker, a 10-year-old mixed breed dog who was living in squalid conditions, was rescued Wednesday by the New Hampshire SPCA.
Striker, a 10-year-old mixed breed dog who was living in squalid conditions, was rescued Wednesday by the New Hampshire SPCA.

The New Hampshire SPCA is asking for the community’s assistance in caring for Striker and all victims of cruelty and neglect. If you would like to help with the cost of care and to help ensure recovery and happy endings, please make a tax-deductible contribution to the SOS FUND by going to www.nhspca.org. A direct link to the SOS Fund at https://bit.ly/3HgGlq8. Gifts to the SOS Fund can also be made by phone at 603-772-2921 (extension 102) or by mail: New Hampshire SPCA, PO Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: New Hampshire SPCA rescues severely neglected dog from Barrington home