Last Friday, a call that the staff of the Fayette County Animal Shelter hates to get came in to the office.

A woman near Tillman Road in Fayetteville found a dog that she suspected was a victim of neglect. Though the dog, a male sheepdog mix estimated to be around two years old, was friendly and happy, it was bleeding from the neck. Staff members immediately went and picked up the dog, returning it to the shelter for examination. They interviewed the two homeowners who lived in the area to determine whether they owned or knew who owned the dog, but found no leads.

“It appeared that the dog was a victim of an in-grown collar. There was a half-inch indentation around the dog’s neck and while the skin hadn’t grown over the collar, it was a painful area for the dog,” said Miguel Abi-Hassan, Director of Animal Control at the shelter. “What typically happens is that an owner will put a collar on a dog when it is a puppy and never change it. It is very likely that when the owner saw the extent of damage that was caused to the dog, he or she abandoned it.”

The dog was immediately taken to a local veterinarian hospital where it underwent surgery. The wound was cleaned thoroughly and stitched up and the dog is recovering comfortably at the shelter. He has also found a new friend, a little girl who wishes to adopt him. Unfortunately, the dog is currently being held as evidence and can’t be released into the adoption program until the case is closed.

“This dog is very happy-go-lucky and good with people and other dogs,” said Abi-Hassan. “Once the case is closed, we are sure he will find a good home. Hopefully with this little girl and her family.”

If you recognize this dog or have any information on the owner, please call the Fayette County Animal Shelter at 770-631-7210. Calls can be kept confidential.