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Puppy Trapped in Tar Saved in the Nick of Time

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A puppy found covered in tar is on the road to recovery thanks to Good Samaritans.

On Mother’s Day, Danielle Boatner of F.L.Y. Animal Rescue received a call from a man dumping his garbage off across from a road maintenance center in Mississippi’s Yazoo County. He reported that he heard cries from a puppy coming from the center and upon further inspection noticed the dog was struggling to get out a pool of tar.

Image Credit: F.L.Y. Animal Rescue

Image Credit: F.L.Y. Animal Rescue

Related: Blind German Shepherd Has Her Own ‘Seeing Eye Dog’ to Help Her Get Around

Boatner, along with her husband, made their way to the scene. Upon arrival, the dog’s breath had slowed to almost nothing due to tar getting in his mouth and nose. After a few attempts, they were able to scoop him out of the tar, and rushed him to the local vet clinic. “We were about 15 minutes away and made it just as the puppy had all but given up,” says Boatner.

Image Credit: F.L.Y. Animal Rescue

Image Credit: F.L.Y. Animal Rescue

At the clinic, volunteers and staff worked for hours trying to make progress on the tar removal. After shaving him, cutting hair and taking turns soaking him in water, they were able to begin breaking some of the tar down.

Image Credit: F.L.Y. Animal Rescue

Image Credit: F.L.Y. Animal Rescue

“We ended the night by drying him, coating him with coconut oil and wrapping him with towels and blankets to help it soak while he was still sedated,” says Boatner.

Image Credit: F.L.Y. Animal Rescue

Image Credit: F.L.Y. Animal Rescue

Related: A Dog Chews Off Her Own Paw After Being Chained for 5 Years

After several days of slowly removing the tar, the puppy, now named Warrior, was not only physically making progress, but emotionally, too.  “We are surprised at how well he has adjusted,” Boatner says. “He is your typical puppy. He loves his chew toys and loves to chase a ball.”

Image Credit: F.L.Y. Animal Rescue

Image Credit: F.L.Y. Animal Rescue

While he is making gains, he still has a few months until he is ready for adoption.

Related: Service Dog Going Blind Given Special Retiring Ceremony By College

The facility where the tar spill occurred is being investigated, and may incur fines.

To learn more about Warrior and other dogs, check out the Facebook page.

TAR BABY. A stray puppy trapped in the death grip of leaking tar is eating and drinking. MDEQ is overseeing cleanup of the spill on Yazoo County property. His nickname is WARRIOR!

Posted by Marsha Thompson WLBT Anchor/Investigative reporter on Wednesday, May 17, 2017

 

By Andrea Huspeni

Andrea Huspeni is the founder and CEO of This Dog's Life. Her mission it to help dogs live a happier, healthier and longer life. When she isn't working, she spends time with her two dogs, Lola and Milo. She resides in Brooklyn, NY.

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