BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE
The dog who was found in a ditch in Buchanan near Button’s Bluff on Tuesday has sadly crossed the Rainbow Bridge, according to Angels of Assisi.
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The animal shelter expressed its devastation at the news and said the dog, affectionately referred to as Mr. Buttons, was a sweet soul who touched many lives.
The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate this case and an award is still being offered for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the abuse. If you have information about this case, call Deputy Gossett at 540-473-8631.
“Sometimes the best we can do when an animal comes in who has been suffering a long time is give them comfort and peace. The feeling of finally receiving back the love they give so freely. Be it hours or days, it’s never enough, but you pour as much into them to try and compensate for the horrible pain they endured during their lives,” Angels of Assisi said in a Facebook post. “We are heartbroken to say this is the case with Mr. Buttons. His heart gave out last night, and took a huge piece of ours and yours with him. In his honor today, please be extra kind, hug your pets hard, and consider fostering or adopting a shelter pet.”
Sometimes the best we can do when an animal comes in who has been suffering a long time is give them comfort and peace....
Posted by Angels of Assisi on Thursday, September 5, 2024
UPDATE
Emaciated, cold, and lifeless. That’s how Botetourt County Sheriff’s Deputy Jake Gossett found a dog Tuesday in a rural area of Buchanan near Button’s Bluff.
“Extremely neglected, malnourished and I believe it was just dropped off there on the side of the road, abandoned, left to die,” said Gossett.
Gossett said he doesn’t believe the dog got there on his own.
“A dog that’s going to roam in the woods, is going to collect a lot of insects. It’s going to collect ticks. It’s going to have burs in their fur, thorns, everything like that. That dog, although the dog was dirty, it wasn’t woodsy dirty,” said Gossett. “The collar was rather clean, so to say, too.”
Gossett rushed him to Angels of Assisi for emergency vet care.
“When they both arrived, we weren’t even sure this dog was still alive at that time,” said Executive Director Lisa O’Neill.
She said the dog’s blood sugar was dangerously low, his temperature barely registered and he needed an immediate blood transfusion. The staff named the dog Mr. Buttons.
“We’re very happy that he made it through the night. He had some small feedings throughout the night. He was in warming blankets and everything,” said O’Neill. “We are not done fighting for him. And I don’t think he’s done fighting either.”
The shelter posted on Facebook about Mr. Buttons, asking the community to consider donating to their Biscuit Fund, which helps abused and neglected animals just like Mr. Buttons.
“He’s fighting hard. We’re hopeful he’s gonna pull through, but there’s no guarantees right now,” said O’Neill.
Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office is offering a reward for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
“It’s unacceptable. I don’t see how anyone would be able to treat an animal like that,” said Gossett. “If we find or when we find the person that did this, this is a felony case. We’re going to hope that we get a conviction out of it and justice will be served.”
If you have information about this case, call Deputy Gossett at 540-473-8631.
The sheriff’s office and shelter want to remind everyone that it is a crime to abandon a dog. If you need to surrender your animal, contact your local animal shelter.
ORIGINAL STORY
The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office is searching for answers after finding a dog that was left to die.
Deputies are looking for information that will help them find the person who abused the dog and left them in a ditch in Buchanan near Button’s Bluff.
The sheriff’s office said the dog is now getting emergency vet care and said they won’t show any additional pictures given that the rest of the photos will likely bring tears to your eyes.
Those with any information concerning this incident are asked to call Deputy Jake Gossett at 540-473-8631.
A reward is being offered for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the abuse. You can also remain anonymous if you wish.