Two starving dogs showing improvement

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. - UPDATE:  After a few good meals and a comfortable night of snuggling together at the Humane Society, two dogs found nearly starved to death are doing better.

Ilka Daniel, Director of Outreach Services at the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, says the dogs are more energetic Friday.

The staff at the Vero Beach shelter named the couple Lady and the Tramp. 

The dogs were found by a woman Wednesday night, along Old Dixie Highway in the southern part of Indian River County.

Investigators think they'd been confined because they hadn't foraged for food and their nails were long, not worn down from walking.

The Humane Society received a few tips but they haven't panned out.

They have also received calls from people who want to help.  One woman says she'll sponsor Lady's heartworm treatments.

If you have any information on the identity of the dogs, call the Humane Society at (772) 388-3331.

EARLIER STORY:

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She'll walk up to anyone who looks like they can deliver a good belly scratch.

Her saunter is slow, exhausting.  When she gets to her prospective petter, she leans on them... too weak to stand on her own.

The chocolate-colored hound mix and a cream-colored male were found Wednesday night, sitting along Old Dixie Highway in the southern part of Indian River County.

The dogs looked like they hadn't eaten in weeks. 

"The veterinarian said that the cream colored dog probably wouldn't have made the morning," says Bruce Dangerfield, Animal Control Officer for the Vero Beach Police Department.   "It was pretty bad. I mean it couldn't even lift its head up. It could wag its tail but couldn't lift his head up."

The pair has been fed since they arrived at the Humane Society of Indian River County and Vero Beach, but even a much-needed meal could be too taxing. 

A veterinarian recommended not bathing the dirty dogs for a few days.  Warming up after the bath could take too much energy and kill them.

Despite their weakness, the dogs wag their tags anytime someone gives them a scratch.

Ilka Daniel, Director of Outreach Services for the Humane Society, says it's one of the worst cases she's ever seen.

"To see animals in this kind of a condition that are still breathing is a first," says Daniel.  "Generally when we see an animal that's this emaciated and has lost that much body condition, they're no longer alive."

Investigators hope someone will recognize the dogs and turn in their owner.  That person could face serious charges, including animal cruelty.

Dangerfield believes the dogs were confined.  If they had been strays, they would have been able to find some food.

The dogs are still in guarded condition and the female has heartworms. 

Humane Society workers are hopeful that they can be nursed back to health and eventually put up for adoption.

If you have any information on the dogs, call the Humane Society at (772) 388-3331.