A middle-aged Chihuahua is on the mend after he was found locked inside a crate off the side of a New Jersey highway.
Megan Brinster, executive director of Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge said that the disabled dog, who has since been named Stanley, was found on the side of Route 80 by animal control on April 29.
Stanley was with the animal control for about a week before the animal refuge was able to take him in.
According to a post from the refuge’s Facebook page, Stanley was found locked inside a crate and was “frozen in fear,” Additionally, he weighed 21 pounds, about twice the amount a Chihuahua his size should weigh.
All of his legs are “bowed in like a pretzel” to the point that it’s almost impossible for him to walk, Brinster said. “A veterinarian has looked at him and said he doesn’t seem to have any health issues besides his weight,” she added.
According to Brinster, Stanley is now living with a foster mom who has a history of taking care of disabled and elderly animals. At first, they were having issues getting him to eat a low-fat diet, but have since started feeding him fresher wet food that he finds more appetizing, Stanley is already starting to shed some weight.
Stanley bonded a lot with his foster mom, and he is described as very affectionate and loving. While he loves being close to people, he is also liking his own space and adapting to his new life. Once Stanley is healthier, he will be put up for adoption.
“Animals go through such incredible trauma, and yet they are so sweet and resilient,” Brinster said.
The animal refuge is currently raising money to buy Stanley a custom wheelchair and provide him with physical therapy. It’s unclear how much has been raised as the shelter just started the campaign, but Brinster said they’ve gotten lots of calls asking how to help Stanley.