Stray’s death raises awareness, draws support

BY STACI WILSON

The death of a stray dog brought toTrueFriendsAnimalWelfareCenterlast week has led to an outpouring of sympathy, support and emotion from the community.

Skylar, am adult, female boxer mix, appeared on a local television news broadcast earlier this week, where it was reported she could have been the victim of abuse.

Shelter director Dory Browning said, “After she was on the news, we received a number of telephone calls and facebook messages from people who were concerned she had been mistreated.”

“We don’t know that was the case,” Browning said. “She could have possibly been trying to survive on her own for some time when she was finally found and brought to us. We don’t know that it was an abuse situation; we have no idea where she was before she came to the shelter.”

The dog was found in theLawtonarea on Jan. 26 and brought to True Friends and then taken to a local veterinary clinic for treatment.

Browning said, “She was emaciated, dehydrated and disoriented. She would fall down when she tried to walk.”

“We had a great deal of hope she was going to recover but it was too late,” Browning said. “It’s not easy when you get a dog in that bad of condition.”

But the dog’s final hours Jan. 30 were not spent at the shelter. Browning had taken Skylar to her home in an attempt to allow her rest more easily.

“She was comfortable when she passed,” Browning said. “She went very peacefully.”

Browning said, “The said thing is that there are dogs and cats in this area trying to survive on their own.”

Browning said True Friends appreciates the outpouring of support for Skylar from the community.

“We hope something good comes of this and the community continues to come together to support the need for a shelter in the area through donations or volunteering. Every bit makes a difference,” Browning said.