Puppy Recovering After Emergency Leg Amputation: Here's How You Can Help

A 10-month-old puppy is recovering from an emergency leg amputation after a reported case of animal cruelty.

Marley, a yellow Labrador, was rushed to the Oakland Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills on Friday after the dog was found with "nothing but exposed bone" on his lower left front leg.

“This is an unspeakable act against a very sweet puppy,” state Jeffrey Fortna, a veterinarian for Oakland Pet Adoption Center, in a news release. “Fortunately, the prognosis is good and Marley should make a full recovery in about two to three weeks.”

Marley was discovered at a Waterford Township home. On Jan. 26, police were called to the home on an unrelated issue and noticed an injury to the dog's leg. The dog's owner promised she would seek medical attention for Marley.

Then, on Friday night, police were once again called to the home and found that the dog's leg injury had not yet been cared for.

“Animals don’t have anyone to defend them,” said Waterford Township Police Chief Dan McCaw. “When you see people abusing an animal, please report it to your local authorities.”

The case is being investigated by Oakland County Animal Control, and charges are pending against Marley's owner, according to a county news release.

In the meantime, the Oakland County Pet Adoption Center is seeking donations to help defray the costs of Marley’s emergency surgery and subsequent care. The center hopes to find Marley a loving home once he has fully recovered.

“Marley is very social, great with kids, cats and other dogs,” said Deputy Christopher Klebba, the Oakland County Animal Control officer that responded to the call on Friday.

Those who wish to donate to help cover Marley’s surgery and after care costs can call 248-391-4100 or visit www.oakgov.com/petadoption.