Emaciated Pit Bull Rescued in Woodbine

SEAVILLE – One very lucky stray pit bull now named “Gracie” was rescued in Woodbine with the help of the community and animal control. Jan. 19, 2014 at 12:10 p.m., Shore Animal Control received a call from a resident of Woodbine. She had seen a pit bull on the Woodbine bike path since Thursday that looked skinny and had sores. She contacted the state police first who then contacted the animal control company. She had first tried to rescue and catch the dog on her own with food and water but was not successful.
Shore Animal Control officer, Greg Boddy went to the location within the hour. He found the terribly emaciated dog, but she was extremely fearful and took off after he spotted her. He left food and water for her. He noticed from her belly that she recently had given birth to puppies. She appeared to be emaciated and was covered with sores. He was very concerned for her safety and was worried that she might not make it over the next few days with the cold weather returning and her emaciated condition.
He went back out in the afternoon and left some more food and water and also placed a comforter for her in hopes she would lay on it and not directly on the cold ground. When he came back, Gracie was nowhere to be found. His plan of action at that point was to set a trap Monday morning in hopes of securing her. Officer Boddy was so worried about her that he returned on Monday on his day off to try to find Gracie. With the help of Animal Control Officer Stan Carr, they were able to successfully lure the frightened pit bull to them.
The officers of the animal control company were especially concerned since one stray Woodbine pit bull was found by the State Police in December and sadly, did not survive the extreme cold freeze. The emaciated stray was found dead by the road on Halprin Street. Because of the enormous amount of Winter Weather Advisories the animal control has sent out the last few weeks requesting public assistance in spotting strays in these extreme temperatures, phone calls have come pouring in from the public. Without these phone calls, Gracie might not have been rescued. The officers of Shore Animal Control are extremely grateful for all these phone tips they have received in the last month from residents.
Shore Animal Control Manager Pam Jessie was so concerned about Gracie not surviving the weekend, that she could not sleep Sunday evening. Jessie comments, “With these extreme temperatures, we knew that this short haired emaciated pit bull had little chance of survival. Stray dogs have little chance of surviving in the extreme temperatures, let alone dogs with short hair and health conditions like this stray. I could not sleep all night knowing this poor pittie was out there suffering in the cold weather. I am so proud of our officers for being so committed to helping this poor dog.”
Once they secured Grace, they immediately took her to Shore Veterinarians to be examined since she was so emaciated. Dr. Richard Blose, of Shore Veterinarians examined her and noted that she was emaciated and covered with fleas, tickets and suffering from skin infections. She was taken to Cape May County Animal Shelter but will return to the animal hospital for rehabilitation until she can be adopted. Shore Veterinarians will be donating her treatment for recovery.
Officer Carr named the rescued dog Gracie because he believed after such hardships living on the streets of Woodbine, being so fearful of people, and with the onset of the new arctic blast, she was rescued only by the grace of God. Dr. Nick Holland, owner of Shore Veterinarians and Shore Animal Control states, “We are so happy to be a part of this successful rescue operation. Our officers are so committed to save animals they are willing to come in on their day off to help with a rescue operation. We have offered to donate the treatment to rehabilitate this beautiful dog and help give her a new chance in life. If someone adopts her and gives her a new home, it will all be worth it.” To visit Gracie and inquire about adoption, please contact the Cape May County Animal Shelter by calling (609) 465-8923