NEWS RELEASE
Date: July 5, 2019
Contact: Captain Ronald Smith
Phone: (203) 230-4029
PIO#: 19-98
On March 27, 2019 Assistant Animal Control Officer Mitch Gibbs responded to Brooksvale Park, 524 Brooksvale Avenue on the report of a “sick or injured canine.”
Moments later, AACO Gibbs located a 3 month-old pit bull. The puppy was lying in the nearby brush, with labored breathing. AACO Gibbs reported that the puppy was “extremely thin” and that its bones were “easily visible.” In addition, the puppy’s abdomen was “bloated.” It was clear that the abandoned puppy was in need of medical attention. The puppy was subsequently transported to a local veterinarian where it was determined that its medical prognosis was “poor.”
The puppy was transported to the North Haven Animal Hospital, where it was kept “comfortable.” The puppy was regularly treated and became “playful.” A local Veterinarian Cardiologist was summoned to examine the puppy. She determined that the puppy was suffering from a “very rare congenital malfunction of the heart.” She further determined that an operation could be performed which “might” improve the puppy’s quality of life.
With the assistance of a local rescue group based in Hamden, “Where the Love Is”, generous residents from throughout the area donated over $10,000.00 to cover the surgical costs. “Where the Love Is” utilized social media to solicit the donations. The large sum was raised within 48 hours. How amazing!
On June 20th the puppy, now known as King, underwent extensive surgery for “Pulmonic Stenosis” and “Cor Triatriatum Dexter”. Hamden Animal Control reports that the surgery was partially successful. The Cor Triatriatum Dexter could not be corrected during surgery.
At this point, the Hamden Police Department and Animal Control Division are happy to report that “King” is alert, happy and that he is making progress. We are hoping to schedule him for an additional surgery in the very near future.
The Hamden Police Department and Animal Control Division would like to overwhelmingly thank Gabrielle Scirocco, the President of Where the Love Is and the dozens of caring people who love animals and hope to make a difference. Thank you again.
