Starving Dog Found Locked in Crate in Public Park

On Sunday, October 5, 2014, Melrose Park Neglected Dogs feeders, a group of volunteers in Houston, Texas, who feed and help find placement within rescue organizations for the hundreds of dumped dogs found at the park, came across a case of abuse and neglect unlike any they had seen before. A malnourished, almost dead dog was dumped at the park. The pet named Sampson, was locked inside his urine and feces filled crate.

The dog, believed to be a lab/Shar Pei mix was rushed to Abbott Animal Clinic and there, veterinarians examined the canine and discovered he was emaciated weighing just 26 pounds.

Sampson. Photo Credit: Melrose Park Neglected Dogs.

A normal dog has a body temperature of 102 degrees range, but Sampson’s body temperature was just 92 degrees.

“[Were] hoping and praying that he pulls through,” Melissa Melvin McMillan, founder of the organization told KHOU. “We find a lot of this over at the park but this is the worst case of animal abuse and neglect I’ve ever seen.”

As soon as Sampson was spotted, Melrose Park Neglected Dogs put out a plea on their Facebook wall to help the dog. Thanks to the power of social media, within the hour the organization had collected close to $1,000 in donations.

The dog was so weak that he couldn’t stand on his own. He has no muscle mass or strength to support his emaciated body, but veterinarians are hopeful that with round the clock care, Sampson will make a full recovery.

On his first night at the clinic, the pet ate some food and drank water on his own. His body temperature rose to 100.1 and by the next morning he was able to stand on his own but just for a few seconds.

Sampson. Photo Credit: Melrose Park Neglected Dogs.

Since news of Sampson’s horrific abuse was made public, hundreds of animal lovers have come together to donate towards his medical care. Sampson’s online fund has reached over $9,000 in donations, and many other people have donated directly to Abbott.

Melrose Park Neglected Dogs is extremely grateful for the support the community has shown Sampson. The organization is happy to help the animals they find abandoned at the park, but they do have a message for all irresponsible pet owners.

“We are not a “rescue” we are volunteers who feed and help the dogs of Melrose who have been dumped. We rely totally on the support of citizens and rescues to help us. Without donations, fosters and rescues we would be helpless. To anyone contemplating dumping a dog at Melrose please don’t. We don’t have the means to help them all and that park is cruel and we cannot be there 24/7. This week we had 3 dogs die over there and it’s heartbreaking. I sincerely thank everyone for helping Sampson he really needed your prayers and support.”

Sampson continues to receive care at Abbott Animal Clinic. AARF Houston has stepped up to help the dog, and they will be handling Sampson’s adoption once he is healthy enough to move to a forever home.

If you would like to help Sampson, you can make an online donation here or contact Abbott Animal Clinic at 281-893-5000 (mention Melrose Park Neglected Dogs and Sampson).