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Abused "Trooper" to Leave the Hospital

Abused pit bull survives cruel & brutal treatment

By Ashley E. Brown and Jim Handly

| Monday, Sep 28, 2009 | Updated 8:46 AM EST

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NBCWashington.com

"Trooper" the dog has made a full physical recovery. Now the emotional healing begins.

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Abused "Trooper" Makes Recovery

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"Trooper" Makes Recovery

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A 2-year-old pit bull called Trooper has certainly lived up to that name.

She was left for dead inside a southeast D.C. Dumpster in August. She had been duct-taped into a garbage bag, but a neighbor found her after Trooper chewed her way through the plastic to poke her head out.

It was a gruesome sight -- Trooper had serious gashes all over her face as the result of a suspected dogfighting attack.

With the help of the Washington Humane Society, Trooper was taken to the Friendship Hospital for Animals in Northwest.

After weeks filled of surgery and medication, Trooper has made a full physical recovery. Animal hospital staff said she enjoys walks and treats, like most of her other well-adjusted, four-legged pals.

But now the emotional and psychological healing process must continue. Trooper will be placed in a rehab facility that helps bring abused dogs back to a friendly and stable temperament.

After that, the hope is for Trooper to find a loving adoptive home. In the meantime, there's a $5,000 reward out for information that can lead to those responsible for leaving Trooper in that Dumpster.