(See updates on her condition below)

This is Mercy - she is one of our special needs homeless animals.   She is a 10-month old pit bull mix.  She was rescued by a Good Samaritan on Good Friday and is now in the care of Operation Kindness http://www.operationkindness.org/ and receiving treatment for her wounds.   Poor Mercy has been through horrific torture and abuse.   It's impossible to imagine that someone could be so cruel to douse Mercy with gasoline, then light her on fire and leave her to die.   Over the Easter weekend, we treated her multiple wounds and kept her on pain medication, IV fluids and antibiotics to stabilize her.   She has now been transferred to a surgeon specializing in burn victims for more intensive treatment.

Mercy will undergo surgery to remove much of her ears, which sustained some of the worst damage, and to begin the debridement process (removal of the dead skin) to allow the new skin underneath to grow.   This is very painful and must be done every other day.  She has to be under anesthesia for these treatments.  Thankfully she is eating and her vital signs are stable but her condition is still guarded and the risk of infection during the debridement process is great.    This process will take at least two weeks and very possibly more.  If it's successful, and she doesn't develop infection, it will still be at least two to three months before she's available for adoption.     All leads and information about the dog's abuser are being turned over to Dallas Animal Services' cruelty investigators and we are hopeful that the person who tortured her will be found and prosecuted.  The Dallas Police have also been notified. 

Operation Kindness has established a fund to help pay for Mercy's treatment and long-term care.  If you would like to help by donating for Mercy's surgeries and care, please select a donation amount below.  Your donation will be put to work right away to provide special treatments, surgery and rehabilitation for her and the many cats and dogs in our care that have severe medical conditions.    Your generous support allows us to give these special animals a second chance so that they have the opportunity to recover and find their forever home.  

UPDATE - Wed, April 19, 2006

Mercy - after surgery on Tuesday

Mercy successfully completed surgery on Tuesday and is getting excellent care and attention.    She is a gentle soul who has shown remarkable strength and courage - she has inspired us all!

Thank you for caring about her and all the animals!