Emaciated Dog Tawny Found in Yard, Taken to Hospital

A 2-year-old dog named Tawny was found lying in a Deerfield Beach stranger’s yard in a severely emaciated condition before being brought to a shelter, wplg reported.

Cindy Mucciaccio, a spokesperson with I Heart Dog Rescue, received a call about the dog after she had just been brought to a shelter. Tawny was so weak that she could not even drink water without assistance.

Rescuers immediately transported her to an emergency veterinary hospital. She is now receiving intravenous fluids and close medical monitoring.

“So Tawny basically presented to us emaciated as you guys can tell, her ribs are showing, she actually wasn’t walking at the time,” said Dr. Sarah Gangadin of Deer Run Animal Hospital.

Tawny’s physical condition revealed the extent of her suffering. Her ribs and spine were prominently visible beneath her skin, while her hip bones protruded sharply. Her legs had lost nearly all their muscle, and her abdomen was severely sunken, with the skin covering some of her bones dangerously thin.

Veterinary bloodwork revealed the toll prolonged starvation took on her body. Although Tawny does not currently require a blood transfusion, her medical team is closely monitoring her levels.

According to Mucciaccio, Tawny additionally returned positive tests for worms and parasites, conditions that rob a starved animal of vital nutrients and further weaken their system.

“She is starting to gain weight what we can tell and she is also starting to stand and walk around which she wasnt able to do,” Gangadin said.

Despite her condition, Tawny was described as gentle, affectionate, and trusting. The two-year-old canine has a lengthy healing process ahead that will involve ongoing hospital care, IV fluids, parasite medication, and a tightly regulated diet.

Gangadin said that animals like Tawny cannot speak up for themselves. This makes it vital for people to step in and advocate for them.

“They are unable to speak, they can’t tell us what happened, and people can do really harmful things to these creatures and we are here to be her advocates,” he said.

Those caring for Tawny are asking the public to help fund her emergency treatment and ongoing recovery. Donations will go toward her hospital stay, intravenous fluids, diagnostic bloodwork, parasite treatment, and specialized nutrition.

“So right now we just have to keep checking her, her sodium, her electrolytes, just making sure she is able to hold the food and get weight gradually, so we got to keep her here for a little while longer so we are asking for donations to help us with her,” Mucciaccio said.

Community members who cannot contribute financially are encouraged to share her story to help reach potential donors. Individuals wishing to support Tawny’s rehabilitation can also reach out to the Deer Run Animal hospital by phone at 954-421-2255 to make a contribution.

Authorities have not released information about the person who left Tawny in her current condition.