Four-Year-Old Mastiff Mix “Roger” Hurt by Deeply Embedded Buckle Collar
BOSTON, Mass., June 28, 2023 – It was a typical June day when a homeowner in Marlboro County, South Carolina spotted something incredibly distressing through their front window—a dog with a neck injury so severe the person believed someone had tried to cut the poor animal’s head off. Police and animal control responded to the scene, and they were surprised by what they found.
“Authorities said when they arrived, the dog was happy to see them, greeted them warmly and jumped right in their van, despite the horrific injury,” explained MSPCA-Angell Director of Adoption Centers and Programs, Mike Keiley. “They brought him to Marlboro [the Humane Society of Marlboro County] where staff immediately had him checked out by a vet.”
The veterinarian discovered and removed the cause for the brutal injury—a deeply embedded buckle collar—and cleaned the wounds while shelter staff canvassed the neighborhood looking for the dog’s owner.
An Unclear Past and a Brighter Future
“This level of cruelty calls for charges against whoever did this, but no one in the area claimed the dog or had any leads on a potential owner, nor did they know anything about the dog or what happened,” Keiley elaborated. “So staff in the shelter turned all of their attention to treating the dog and trying to find a new home for him, but, given the immense challenges facing shelters right now, they knew they needed help, and that’s where we came in.”
At the time the four-year-old mastiff mix was found, the shelter was already well over capacity, with all crates full and dogs even bunking down in staff offices.
“It was really important to help them free up space and also make sure this dog was able to get the care and treatment he needs, so we decided to bring him to Massachusetts where we’re confident we can help him recover and find him a great home.”
MSPCA: “Time Heals All Wounds”
The dog—now named Roger—was brought to the Northeast Animal Shelter (NEAS) in Salem June 24 on a transport with 24 other dogs.
“We’re looking at this as kind of a finishing school for Roger,” Keiley said. “Marlboro staff started him on a path to recovery, but we need to finish it, and he’s got a ways to go.”
NEAS veterinarians plan to remove damaged tissue and try to close the wound on Roger’s neck while continuously cleaning the area until it is fully healed. Treatment is expected to take two-to-six weeks.
Foster Home Wanted at a Time When “Big Dogs” Are Difficult to Adopt
Roger is known to be a quiet and friendly dog who loves sitting on people’s laps, giving them hugs, and holding their hands with his paws. He also gets along well with other laid back dogs.
“We want Roger to be as comfortable as possible throughout his treatment,” added Keiley. “Having him in a home with people who are committed to helping him and will make sure he’s able to get to his necessary appointments will be key in ensuring he’s able to make a full recovery.”
Those interested in fostering can learn more on the MSPCA’s website.
“If an adoptive home pops up quickly, of course we’d be very happy for Roger,” added Keiley. “But data clearly show that large dogs across the country, even here in Massachusetts, have been waiting longer for those homes, so finding a foster willing to give this special dog a second chance would be ideal at this stage.”
Help Roger—and So Many More Animals in Need
“What we’re doing with Roger is a great example of what we can do to help animals with the support of the community behind us,” Keiley said. “With so many dogs across the country living in overcrowded shelters, we need that support now more than ever.”
Those who wish to donate to help offset the cost of Roger’s care, which could top $6,000, and help other dogs in overcrowded shelters find refuge in Massachusetts may donate at www.mspca.org/roger.
