'His fur saved his life': Pup thrown into firepit by kids

A puppy named Polo is in emergency care for multiple burns onits body after being thrown into a firepit by children.

"He managed to survive but is badly burned," said KatiePowell,founder of Save A Dog Network Canada, a Winnipeg-based organization that took the dog into care after it was flown in fromRed Sucker Lake First Nation.

"In the past two years, I've been a part of well over 1,000 rescues involving dogs, [but] you can never prepare yourself for these types. He is in bad shape right now."

The fire singed away somuch of Polo's hair, it's difficult to tell what kind of breed or mix the dog is. Some hair melted against its skin, causing burn lesions.

"He has second-degree burns on his nose, mouth, paws, testicles and belly the good majority of his body that was not covered in hair. He also has a swollen throat and lungs," Powell said, adding Polo's eyes have ulcers from smoke damage.

"His fur saved his life. If he had a short coat, he would have died."

Despite the dog's condition and what happened, Polo still seems to have trust, she said.

"He tried a tail wag, but he's weak," Powell said.

The incident happened Sunday night on the First Nation, about 535 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. Powellisn't clear on the circumstances but was told some kids, age10 to 12, picked up and threw Polo into the fire.

Polo's family called Powell's group and arrangements were made to get the pup flown to Winnipeg as soon as possible. Polo, who is about eight months old, arrived Monday and was rushed toTuxedo Animal Hospital.

Manitoba RCMP said no one reported the incident to them, but they are aware of it and have begun investigating.

Powellsaid the band council andthe school principalhave been told about the incident, but she is not focused on following up on what may or may not happen to the kids.

"Our focus is on how Polo was saved because of the amazing people who live in that community those whoreacted so quickly to contact us," she said.

Pup thrown into firepit by kids

7 years ago

Duration 0:31

A puppy named Polo is in emergency care for multiple burns on its body after being thrown into a firepit by children in Red Sucker Lake First Nation.

"Naturally, my first thought is anger. For obvious reasons, I am mad, because this poor innocent dog has suffered for no real reason. Secondly, I feel pain. Pain for our little guy, but more pain for the family of this dog.

"The most concerning part of thisis the humans that felt it was OK to inflict such pain on an animal."

She said her group has worked hard to establish relationships in First Nations communities, many of which struggle with an overpopulation of roaming and unwanted dogs,which can form packs and become aggressive.

Save A Dog Network Canada has been trying to get at the root of the problem by supporting the communities throughveterinary services such as spaying and neutering, as well as educating people about properly caring for pets.

The group alsotransports sick, injured and unwanted dogs to Winnipeg, where they can be dewormed, vaccinated and sent to new families.

"It's about building trust andrespecting each other.Animal cruelty happens everywhere, but these communities are places where our support is needed most," said Powell, who first met Polo at a clinic on the reserve when the pup was eight weeks old.

"There are many people who want to see change. If we hadn't built those relationships, we never would have heard about what happened to Polo.

"We are so thankful this family has done the right thing and reached out for help. He's been given a chance because of that."

Once Polo is better, a new home will be found for the dog, which is whatthe family in Red Sucker Lake has asked for, Powell said.

"It's heartbreaking for them, but it's what they feel is right for him."

Nowdonations are needed for Polo'scare, said Powell.

"It will be a long road ahead, but we are in this 100 per centwith him. He's a fighter. We're ready to do this," she said.