Dog Chews Leg Off to Free Himself

Rocky, a German shepherd from Mission Viejo, Calif., chewed off his back, right paw to free himself from a tether he had been tied to. He had no other option than to do this. It is believed the chain or rope used as a tether, wrapped around his leg and cut off any circulation to his limb.

The dog is only 11-months-old and his owner surrendered the pet to the Orange County Animal Shelter on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014.

Rocky prior to his surgery. Photo Credit: Coastal German Shepherd Rescue

According to ABC News, the pet owner told shelter workers that he had no idea why the dog had chewed his limb off, but in the city it is illegal to tether dogs to a stationary object, and therefore animal control officers are investigating.

Once the pet was surrendered, Tiffany Norton, of Coastal German Shepherd Rescue was called, and the organization decided to take in Rocky and help him get the help he needed.

The dog was transferred to Alicia Pet Care and after veterinarians examined him, they decided that it was best to amputate his leg.

Rocky now. Photo Credit: Coastal German Shepherd Rescue

“He came in walking, and then we took off the bandage and it really was a pretty gruesome sight, definitely took my breath away,” said veterinarian Maria Bromme. “It was really heartbreaking to see.”

Rocky went into surgery and since then he has bounced back. He is a natural walking on just three legs.

“I think for humans a lot of times we have a big emotional attachment to things like that, but for an animal, you know, they are just quick to adapt and get on with it, and he’s doing great,” Bromme said.

The German shepherd is adjusting to his new life and once he is 100 percent healthy, he will be made available for adoption. For more information on how to help Rocky, visit http://coastalgsr.org.