posted December 06, 2012 10:38 PM            

Trooper was taken to the Humane Society of Missouri’s Maryland Heights facility, where he was in critical condition after the incident on Nov. 21. Trooper was placed in the care of Dr. Mark Wright, according to a blog detailing his recovery
http://news.yahoo.com/photos/pit-bull-puppy-s-horrific-journey-slideshow/

Tropper's Blog

November 22, 2012

$5000 Reward Offered in Puppy Dragging Case
5-month-old Pit Bull tied to truck and dragged down highway

Update 12-5-12:

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Trooper's abuser(s) has been raised to $5,000. Please call 314-647-4400 with any tips in this case.

Following surgery performed last week to clean and further close open wounds and assess the possibility of saving Trooper’s right front leg, Dr. Mark Wright, director of Shelter Medicine for the Humane Society of Missouri, said he continues to be guardedly optimistic about the possibility of saving the dog’s leg.

Trooper is eating and drinking normally and he is walking on his own several times a day. Although his right front leg was severely injured, we see some improvement that gives us hope we may be able to save it. The puppy still faces 6-8 weeks of additional treatment and rehabilitation and the threat of infection is ever present.

We are doing everything we can to support his recovery but, in cases of incredible trauma like this, the situation can quickly change. Trooper’s got a lot of great spirit and we are all pulling for him to make a full recovery.

Update 12-3-12:
Trooper was up and walking around for a bit over the weekend. Here he is enjoying a toy and treat he received in the mail. Thank you for all the cards, gifts, and donations. We appreciate your support!

Update 11-28-12:

Trooper is holding steady at the Humane Society of Missouri. He is now able to drink well on his own and is eating some regular food. They are very small steps that could reverse at any point, but we are amazed by his progress thus far. Trooper will see the surgeon in the next 48 hours to determine if his front leg is able to be saved.

Update 11-26-12:

The 5 ˝ month old, severely injured pit bull puppy rescued last Wednesday (Nov. 21) by the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force and named Trooper by his Humane Society caregivers is showing slight improvement but is still not out of the woods. After five days of intensive treatment and care for severe injuries to his face, ears, shoulder, legs and right side, the Humane Society’s director of Shelter Medicine, Dr. Mark Wright, reports that he is guardedly optimistic about Trooper’s chances for recovery. “This puppy has experienced severe trauma and horrible injuries and his condition could change quickly,” said Dr. Wright. “However, we are doing everything possible to support his recovery, reduce the chances for infection and keep him out of pain. The fact that he has survived thus far is amazing. He’s truly living up to his name and is a real Trooper.”

The Humane Society of Missouri is continuing to investigate the incident and is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for putting the dog in this horrific position. “We have received several tips and are fully investigating them,” said Debbie Hill, vice president of Operations for the Humane Society of Missouri. “We are doing several very important things for this helpless puppy: giving him excellent veterinary treatment and loving care and finding out how this happened in order to hold accountable those who are responsible.” Persons with information should contact the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Abuse Hot Line 314-647-4400.

Original Story 11-21-12

Responding to a call this morning from the St. Louis City Police, the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force dispatched an investigator to the scene of a severely injured dog that had been tethered to the back of a truck and drug along Highway 55. Upon arrival, the investigator found the driver of the truck distraught by the situation. He stated that he did not know the animal or how it became tied to the back of his vehicle. He was alerted to the incident by another driver who called the police, and signaled him that something was wrong. He pulled over and discovered the dog.

The Humane Society of Missouri is investigating the incident and is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for putting the dog in this horrific position. HSMO also is looking for the owner of the puppy. Persons with information should contact 314-647-4400.

The puppy, a five and a half month old brown, male pit bull, was in shock and is suffering from severe and traumatic injuries including exposed tissue and bones. The puppy is being treated at the Humane Society of Missouri Maryland Heights facility and shelter veterinarians are closely monitoring his condition and doing everything they can to relieve his pain. He had a collar and leash, but no ID tag or microchip were found.

“The puppy is in critical condition and it is too early to determine if he will survive his injuries,” said HSMO veterinarian Dr. Mark Wright. “We are stabilizing him and consulting with our surgeon to determine the appropriate course of treatment.”