A Southeast Washington woman has been arrested after authorities say she brutally beat her Yorkshire Terrier puppy, the Washington Humane Society's Humane Law Enforcement Department said.
Kristina Washington of Savannah Terrace SE was arrested Tuesday after an officer with the humane society found the 6-pound puppy barely able to move. The humane society says "Roxie" was taken to Dogs and Cats Veterinary Referral in Bowie, Maryland, in critical condition.
Roxie's initial prognosis was bleak, and she was not expected to make it through the night.
Veterinarians found 11 spinal fractures, four rib fractures, five limb fractures and numerous fractures in Roxie's left rear foot. They also determined the fractures were in various stages of healing, indicating that the abuse had been going on for quite some time.
Her left leg was broken so many times without properly healing that part of the bone was absorbed by the body tissue, veterinarians said.
Miraculously, Roxie is expected to make a full recovery.
"In her short life, she has seen so much pain and suffering," said Scott Giacoppo, Chief Community Animal Welfare Officer for the Washington Humane Society. "This case is just heartbreaking."
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Although she has made incredible progress, Roxie still has a long road ahead of her. She is currently on the mend from two leg surgeries as the cost of her medical care continues to rise into the tens of thousands.
People wishing to help are encouraged to donate to WHS' Sophie's Fund to aid in Roxie's care and other animals in need of emergency medical assistance.
