SHELBY, N.C.,None — For Clifford, the big red dog, the road has been rough the past few weeks.
No one knows where he came from or anything about his past. The purebred golden retriever was seen wandering a neighborhood in Kings Mountain a week ago with no collar and no tags. After a pit bull attacked him, he was picked up by Cleveland County animal control officers.
During his 72 hours at animal control shelter, his wounds became badly infected.
By the time he was released to the Cleveland County Humane Society last week, he was weak and sickened from his injuries.
Clifford would not have survived much longer without treatment.
Now, he will be preparing for surgery to repair the injuries to his leg and ear at Hope Animal Hospital.
"Every day is a better day," said Dr. Deanna Moseley with Hope Animal Hospital. "He had a really bad abscessed wound on his left ear."
When he first arrived at the veterinarian's office, he had a high fever and would barely lift his head.
Three days later, he is showing an interest in life again.
"He started chasing a ball yesterday," Moseley said. "He's a trooper. Animals have always amazed me. He's definitely a fighter."
Moseley said Clifford, named by staff at the animal hospital, also has heart worms.
"That's another obstacle we're going to have to face with him," she said.
Marguerite Mebane said many people have called about the dog and several donations have come in to help with Clifford's expenses, which she said she is thrilled to receive. But more help is needed, particularly now that he needs additional treatment for heart worms.
"He's getting excellent, excellent care," Mebane said. "Dr. Moseley has really taken him on as a special patient and has given him a lot of personalized attention." Once Clifford is through surgery, a decision will be made to release him to a golden retriever rescue group out of Charlotte, or allow local adoption to take place.
"We've had a lot of people express interest in him," Mebane said. "Once he's well enough then we'll make that decision."
Depending on how his recovery goes, he may be designated a special needs dog.
"He may need a special home that can give him some special care," she said. "He may not just be the average dog."
[ Click here to read more stories from Channel 9's newspaper partner, the Shelby Star. ]