Someone abandoned a small dog in a wooded area off of Old Brodhead Road in Beaver County this week, in such bad condition that even veteran humane workers were shocked. Now they need your help to get the dog well enough to adopt -- and catch the people who did this to him.

The Yorkie terrier mix was discovered Tuesday and taken to the Beaver County Humane Society 's animal shelter in Aliquippa. "This dog was dumped in an inexcusable condition and was in a tremendous amount of pain," said Susan Salyards, BCHS Executive Director. BCHS first sent the dog to VCA Five Points Veterinary Hospital for X-rays because they thought his rear left leg was broken. When the staff shaved off the matted fur, they discovered the dog's foot was completely rotted away. "It literally fell off!" said Salyards. "We believe that his matted fur cut off the blood supply to the foot and it was decaying."

It is heartbreaking for all our staff to see such a sad case." Susan Salyards, Beaver County Humane Society

Salyards estimates it would have taken months for dog to have become that matted. "This dog has been in pain and suffering for some time," she said. Fortunately, the little Yorkie is now on his way to recovery, and Salyards says he is starting to come out of his shell.

Here's how you can help. If you have information on who owned the dog, BCHS Humane Society Police Officer Mary Sparks wants to hear from you (click here to find out how to provide your tips). If the owners are convicted of animal cruelty or abuse, they could face prison time, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

BCHS could also use your financial support to care for this little guy, and the other abandoned animals needing extra medical care that have come into the shelter in recent months. They include two Chihuahuas found abandoned in a cardboard box in Monaca Heights in November, an elderly sight and hearing impaired Basset Hound found abandoned in New Sewickley Township in January, and a stray cat found with its throat slashed. It's a lot of additional expense, on top of the severe water damage to the shelter when a fire sprinkler froze and flooded the lobby and retail store January 27 (click here to see our story on the flood).

Click here to donate to the Beaver County Humane Society. Click here if you know anything about this case, or want to report animal cruelty.

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