Erie, Pa (WJET/WFXP) — The ANNA Shelter passed along some tragic news on Friday afternoon.
The six-month-old husky puppy locked in a crate hidden under a bridge that was rescued from freezing temperatures earlier this week has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Police investigating after dog found freezing under Erie bridge
“It was heavy- I haven’t cried in a long time and I cried this morning- like it was heavy, it was hard,” said Ruth Thompson, founder of the ANNA Shelter.
Friday morning was a heavy morning for many after news broke out that rescued dog Aimee had died.
Her story was followed by thousands of people locally and around the world, and hopes were high that her story would have a happy ending.
The vet that I talked to in Cleveland, where we sent her, he said this dog has suffered for months, and he said I’m surprised you guys got her as far along as you did,” Thompson said.
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After receiving reports from Erie police about aimee who was found frostbitten, emaciated and covered in her own waste, the ANNA team and their vets fought really hard to save her life.
Team ANNA said Aimee underwent an emergency surgery overnight, but didn’t make it after going into cardiac arrest. Doctors performed CPR for over 40 minutes.
The dog was found earlier this week at East Bayfront and Broad Street.
However, Erie police have arrested two people in connection with the cruelty case.
“They had brought it in and stated that they had found the dog. When they came in the next day, when requested, they admitted, the female admitted it was their dog and they weren’t able to take care of it but this animal needlessly suffered there are more than enough agencies that are out there that will take animals in,” said Rick Lorah, Erie chief of police.
ANNA Shelter provides update on puppy found under bridge
Criminal complaints identified the suspects as 23-year-old Scott Bayle and 26-year-old Tori Jackna.
Ruth Thompson of the ANNA Shelter said that receiving news of the arrest was bittersweet because while justice was served, a life was lost.
If you have a pet that you are struggling to take care of, erie police, and the ANNA Shelter team said that they are willing to help and surrendering a pet before it’s too late is always an option.
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