BAKERSFIELD, CA - Three dogs were abandoned near Ridgecrest, in a manner that has angered animal lovers and opened a criminal investigation. County animal control found the dogs in the desert, in a crate only meant for one animal, with what they first thought were gunshot wounds. One of the dogs didn't survive. The other two are being treated here at San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital, where they've determined the injuries weren't as cruel as originally suspected.
Chancy and Shadow were physically and emotionally injured when they were picked up.
Marley's Mutts founder Zach Skow said, "They were the most scared, timid, potentially dangerous, because dogs strike when they're fearful, dogs that I'd seen in a really long time."
He got involved and brought the dogs to the vet. They determined what were originally thought to be injuries from gunshots were actually puncture wounds, possibly from other animals.
"The fact that they were not shot is a sigh of relief for a few reasons. One, it means that nobody shot them, so we can have a little bit more faith in humanity and two we don't have to do any surgery," said Skow.
After getting treatment and some TLC, Skow says they're completely different dogs.
Skow said, "This doesn't even look like the same dog. His facial muscles, everything was tense, everything was looking at me sideways like I'm about to bite you if you come any closer. You have to just be confident."
He used pack leadership techniques to give them structure and calm their nerves, turning this horrific story, into another success.
"To actually see them totally different and know that they are adoptable. They are adoptable, maybe not right now, but they will be. They have all the tools for the normal life ahead. So, it was very fulfilling," said Skow.
He says there is a criminal investigation into this case. Anyone who recognizes the dogs or has any information is asked to contact county animal control or Ridgecrest Police.
Chancy and Shadow were physically and emotionally injured when they were picked up.
Marley's Mutts founder Zach Skow said, "They were the most scared, timid, potentially dangerous, because dogs strike when they're fearful, dogs that I'd seen in a really long time."
He got involved and brought the dogs to the vet. They determined what were originally thought to be injuries from gunshots were actually puncture wounds, possibly from other animals.
"The fact that they were not shot is a sigh of relief for a few reasons. One, it means that nobody shot them, so we can have a little bit more faith in humanity and two we don't have to do any surgery," said Skow.
After getting treatment and some TLC, Skow says they're completely different dogs.
Skow said, "This doesn't even look like the same dog. His facial muscles, everything was tense, everything was looking at me sideways like I'm about to bite you if you come any closer. You have to just be confident."
He used pack leadership techniques to give them structure and calm their nerves, turning this horrific story, into another success.
"To actually see them totally different and know that they are adoptable. They are adoptable, maybe not right now, but they will be. They have all the tools for the normal life ahead. So, it was very fulfilling," said Skow.
He says there is a criminal investigation into this case. Anyone who recognizes the dogs or has any information is asked to contact county animal control or Ridgecrest Police.