The MSPCA and Acton police are offering a $1,000 reward for information after a 12-week-old puppy was found discarded in the woods, suffering from chemical burns that authorities believe were intentionally inflicted.

A good Samaritan was out walking her dog in the Acton woods on Nov. 15 when she found a puppy cowering on the side of the trail unable to walk and covered in open wounds but still wagging her tail.

The woman alerted authorities and drove the puppy to the MSPCA Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, where veterinarians have been working to save the life of the young fido, now called Ramona, ever since.

We occasionally will see cases of neglect to potentially something that borders on cruelty, Anna Rafferty-Arnold, associate director at the MSPCAs Boston adoption center, told the Herald. But to see a dog come in with such severe wounds that are so suspicious of something that would be intentional is rare.

Ramona arrived with chemical burns covering more than 40 percent of her body wounds so severe she must undergo a weekly debridement procedure to remove the dead tissue and give the skin underneath a chance to heal.

She also had bite wounds on her back and a broken left front elbow, which may have to be amputated because it started to heal improperly, said shelter veterinarian Rebecca Fellman.

Ramona will remain at the MSPCA for the next four months as she undergoes treatment, and will be under a state-mandated four-month quarantine for the bite wounds. Afterward, staff hope to put her up for adoption.

She still looks in rough shape and she still is in a sad condition, but she does look a lot better, Rafferty-Arnold said. While she is still uncomfortable she has a great spirit. She still has a wagging tail and shes giving kisses and is just a really sweet deal, and were excited for her to go up for adoption.

Acton police have opened an animal cruelty investigation, and are offering a $1,000 reward in conjunction with the MSPCA for information that leads to a conviction. Anyone with information is asked to call 978-929-7711.

The MSPCA estimates caring for Ramona will cost upward of $4,000, and are seeking donations to help.

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MSPCA, Acton police offer reward after puppy found with chemical burns - Boston Herald