Dog Found With Broken Legs In Elgin Gets Surgery
ELGIN (CBS) -- A dog found with two broken legs last month in northwest suburban Elgin is recovering and may soon find a new home thanks to a suburban veterinarian's generosity.
Dog Saved By Kindness
Police are also seeking the dog's owner on a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge.
Elgin police and animal control officials were first called to a home in the 0 to 100 block of Poplar Creek Drive on March 20, after a witness said someone was kicking the dog while its head was stuck in a door frame, a release said.
When police found the 6-month-old dog, it had fractures to both hind legs that had not properly healed, police said. Named "Liberty" by animal control officers, the dog needed surgery that would cost roughly $5,000.
That's where Dr. Stephen Neihaus stepped in, police said.
Neihaus, of the Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center, volunteered his time and surgical space, bringing the cost of Liberty's surgery down to $1,500.
"She is such a sweet dog," he said. "You would never know that she was an abused dog. She is in such good spirits."
But authorities said Neihaus didn't stop there, and found a private citizen who anonymous donated the remaining $1,500, which covered the costs of surgical implants and anesthesia.
"The support and generosity of Dr. Neihaus and the anonymous donor has been nothing short of amazing," Elgin Police Animal Control Officer Matthew Ciesielczyk said in a release from Elgin police.
"Their dedication to this loving animal in need, and willingness to partner with the Elgin Police Department is commendatory."
Liberty's "extensive" surgery wrapped up Tuesday, and the pup will be available to adopt after eight weeks of recuperation and therapy, police said. Anyone interested in adopting Liberty should call the Golf Rose Animal Shelter in Schaumburg at (847) 885-2122.
Meanwhile, a warrant has been issued for the dog's owner, 38-year-old Gregory R. Griffin, who is charged with misdemeanor counts of cruel treatment and violation of owner's duties, police said.
Police have not been able to locate him, the release said. A Cook County Court judge already ordered the dog to be forfeited during an April 2 hearing.
Elgin police ask anyone with information on his whereabouts to call police at (847) 289-2700 or the department's anonymous tip line at (847) 695-4195.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
