EASLEY — A heartless act of animal abuse has rallied the Upstate community into action as people from all over the area have banded together to come to the aid of a little dog named “Belle.”

Julie Horton was driving down Pearson Road when by Pope Field Road she spotted the injured animal staggering in the roadway.

“I thought it was a cat, because she was so small,” Horton said during an interview. “As I got closer, I saw that it was a dog and that she had blood coming out of her mouth. It wasn’t until later that I found out how injured she was.”

Belle, a two-year old Chihuahua mix, was in the words of Horton, “a bloody mess.”

“She ran from me and I had to chase her through the woods and then back onto the road,” said Horton. “By then it was getting dark and I was worried I wouldn’t find her, but luckily several people had stopped to help.”

Belle was wrapped in a blanket and taken to Magnolia Veterinary Clinic in Anderson where the extent of her injuries was revealed.

“She had been hit by a car at least twice and dragged,” said Horton. “Her paws were ground down all the way to the bone. Her belly was also all torn up and she had been shot.”

According to Horton, veterinarians at Magnolia discovered “BB like pellets” in her face, neck and chest.

Horton has since filed a report with the Easley Police Department but the owner of the dog has yet to be identified.

Julie Brodack, another good Samaritan who stopped to help, split the original intake veterinary bill with Horton.

“The original estimated cost for treatment was around $1,150 but she’s also going to need continued care,” stated Horton.

Belle is currently staying at a temporary foster home as she continues to recover. According to Horton, her injuries, while severe, do not appear to be life threatening.

“The vet said that amazingly enough, she has no broken bones or internal injuries — she should recover.”

In an attempt to discover who owned the dog, Horton posted Belle’s picture on Facebook — the resulting responses shocked her.

“Immediately people were asking how they could help,” said Horton. “Over 30 people have donated money to help offset the cost of care for Belle, and two people have just walked into Magnolia (vet clinic) off the street to make donations. It’s been amazing.

“You know, this little dog never hurt anyone,” she added. “Even after all she’s been through, she’s really a sweet and gentle soul. I don’t think people realize just how many dogs are abused or dumped. We have a culture here in the South about animals that’s just not good. Too often they’re treated like property instead of a living, breathing creature.”

Donations for Belle’s continued veterinary care are being accepted at Magnolia Veterinary Clinic in Anderson or via paypal using the address jjones07@bellsouth.net.

Donations have poured in from all over the Upstate to help Belle, the two-year old chihuahua mix that was brought to an emergency clinic after it was discovered she had been shot then hit and dragged by a car.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_BelleH.jpgDonations have poured in from all over the Upstate to help Belle, the two-year old chihuahua mix that was brought to an emergency clinic after it was discovered she had been shot then hit and dragged by a car. Courtesy photos

Julie Horton was driving down Pearson Road when by Pope Field Road she spotted the injured animal staggering in the roadway, bleeding. Belle is currently under a veterinarian’s care and it is hoped she will make a full recovery.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_BelleV.jpgJulie Horton was driving down Pearson Road when by Pope Field Road she spotted the injured animal staggering in the roadway, bleeding. Belle is currently under a veterinarian’s care and it is hoped she will make a full recovery. Courtesy photos
Support pours in for dog found shot, bleeding on highway

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.