Poodle found tied to gate in Marion County

Dog has leg amputated

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – It's a story of survival that will likely anger you, and then touch your heart. Staff at the Humane Society of Marion County discovered a malnourished dog tied to the facility's gate Tuesday morning. The poodle was so horribly injured, one of its legs had to be amputated.

"I couldn't figure out what it was, what was bone and what was tissue. I texted her back, 'What is it?'" said Dr. Erin Hughes, the organization's vet.

Dr. Hughes told Local 6 the dog's injuries appeared inconsistent with having been attacked by another animal or hit by a car.

"Somebody knows because somebody tied him to the gate. Anything that could give us a clue would be nice."

Just one day after undergoing surgery, the dog now called "Duncan Malloy," after the doctor's father, is happily playing with other animals and snuggling staff. Dr. Hughes says his prognosis is excellent.

"He is a trooper. He spent the night at my house, he's potty-trained, crate-trained, and was just a little gentleman."

Lyn Beurrier, the assistant who found Duncan, has big hopes for his future. She says they've been inundated with inquiries about how to adopt Duncan, and will act as his personal guardian to screen potential homes.

"That's what matters -- not where he came from, not that he has three legs, but that he's whole now. He's complete."

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About the Author:

Julie Broughton's career in Central Florida has spanned more than 14 years, starting with News 6 as a meteorologist and now anchoring newscasts.

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