‘World’s bravest puppy’ suffers tragic end after being abandoned in park
An abandoned puppy dubbed the 'world's bravest' has heartbreakingly died after being found in awful conditions at a Florida park.
Frosty, who was a purebred Shiba Inu, was among a litter of ten puppies and two mothers who were discovered inside a plastic storage bin at Taylor Park in Largo on 19 December.
Largo Police are desperately searching for the person who left the 12 dogs, who were rescued two days after being abandoned.
As per MailOnline, all the dogs had parvovirus, which is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease.
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Blue Cross explains that 'the virus attacks cells in a dog’s intestines and stops them from being able to absorb vital nutrients', which means that they 'will become very weak and dehydrated'.
Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are the most at risk of catching the infectious disease, which is why vaccination is so important.
Frosty was reportedly transported to the care of the Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue, who shared the sad news of his passing on Wednesday (31 December) morning, following over a week of treatment.
The company's statement read: "The world's bravest little boy lost his fight late last night in my arms. We are all emotionally and physically defeated and exhausted."
An autopsy revealed a 'huge hole' in the pup's small intestines, as well as a 'clean snap break' of his back leg and dislocated jaw.
The statement concluded that he died 'from the physical trauma he suffered' before being rescued.
It added: "Dr. C checked him out and I continued to carry him around and tell him he was going to be ok like I always do.
"He knew I was there and then just like that as I held him with Dr.C he took his last breathes [sic] and was gone. Quietly, peacefully and in my arms. He died from the physical trauma he suffered before he arrived at rescue.
"All of this has been well documented and provided to Largo PD for their ongoing investigation. Now the hunt to find who hurt Frosty and dumped his nine siblings and two mommas all with parvo is on."
A news report by 10 Tampa Bay said that Frosty's injuries were consistent with those of abuse, suggesting he didn't just die from parvovirus as initially suspected.
Jaime McKnight, founder of the pet rescue, said they were initially contacted by Largo police with news of the poor abandoned dogs.
Speaking to WTSP, she said: "Had they not been found when they did, I think we would have been looking at a different situation."
McKnight also dubbed the abandonment as 'disgusting' and 'cruel' and Frosty's death is now drawing attention to Dexter's Law, which recently created Florida's first statewide animal abuse database in order to screen pet adopters.
As reported by the Mail, authorities are also offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who abandoned Frosty and the 11 other dogs.
The other puppies are reported to be still recovering from the disease and ready for vaccinations on Friday (2 January).
If you see an animal in distress and/or in need of help, contact the RSPCA's national animal cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 from 8am to 5pm seven days a week, or visit their website for further advice.
Madison Burgess