Puppy 'Left To Die' Is Recovering From Infections In Foster Home: Monmouth SPCA

ASBURY PARK, NJ — Rosie the puppy was running loose in Asbury Park with a skin infection and parasites when the Monmouth County Animal Control picked her up.

The young pit bull was starving and dehydrated when human helpers found her on the south end of Comstock Street recently. Rosie, the name given to her by the Monmouth County SPCA, had painful mange all over her body and internal parasites.

"She was quite literally dying of thirst and hunger, and deteriorating from internal parasites and secondary infections from her mange," said the Monmouth County SPCA. "If we didn't find her, she wouldn't have survived much longer."

The county SPCA began treating Rosie immediately. She is in a foster home now with an experienced veterinary technician, the SPCA said. Her healing may take several months, as the mange infection left open lesions and rashes on her body.

Lindsay Sanator, media and marketing manager for the Monmouth County SPCA, said there is no indication yet where Rosie came from. She said residents may call the SPCA for help if their pet is sick or injured, rather than let a case like Rosie's develop to this severe point.

"We just really want people to know they they can call us when they need help - and not to wait until it gets as bad as Rosie," said Sanator. "We are always here to help our community and their pets."

Anyone with more information about where Rosie came from may contact the SPCA's Lieutenant of Humane Law Enforcement Mike Magliozzo at (732) 995-0329. Calls can remain anonymous.

In the meantime, Rosie is enjoying some comfort while she heals.

"She is doing well in foster so far with one of our experienced vet techs and is really enjoying her comfy beds and sweaters - pink is her favorite color!" said Sanator.

Donations for Rosie and other animals like her may be made at this link to the Monmouth County SPCA.