A month after rescue, Diego Martin dogs 'happy, doing well'

JESS and Jeremiah, the two dogs saved from an abusive owner in Diego Martin in early March, are doing well and will soon be ready for adoption.

Police rescued the then-starving and malnourished dogs from a home in St Lucien Road in Diego Martin.

Residents had called on the police to intervene, as they said the owner was not feeding the dogs owing to the fear of "breeding rats." There were signs on the gate saying “Keep away,” and “Stop feeding the dogs."

The dogs were taken to the vet and were diagnosed with heartworm disease and kidney failure, among other things.

But speaking to Newsday on Wednesday afternoon, chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TTSPCA) Sita Kuruvilla said the dogs are doing well.

She said the male dog, Jeremiah, is gaining weight. He has mild skin problems. He also wants a lot of attention now, and his caretakers are going to begin walking him with a leash.

In a post to its Facebook page, the TTSPCA said Jess is on her fourth dose of vaccinations and has "gained a lot of weight, her coat is really shiny and she is a happy and much healthier older lady who will soon need a loving home."

It added that Jeremiah is now eating regular chow and canned food.

The TTSPCA thanked all who donated towards the dogs' vet bills, which at one point reached $5,000.

The police still have not said whether anyone has been charged in connection with their earlier treatment.