A dog that was tortured and set on fire in Tate County is showing significant improvement, according to officials from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University where he is being treated.
The Tunica Humane Society frequently updates Buddy’s status on Facebook and posted doctors did not have to change bandages on his face Tuesday, May 4, because his wounds are not losing much fluid, a good indication they are healing as they should.
Buddy, a male Labrador retriever mix, has drawn attention from across the nation after news of his horrific injuries spread quickly on social media after deputies from the Tate County Sheriff’s Office discovered him in the 1400 block of Peavine Road on Thursday, April 22, with a green extension cord tied around his neck and extreme burns covering his face.
The Tate County Sheriff’s Office issued a release Wednesday, April 28, stating a juvenile admitted to purposely injuring the dog and criminal charges won’t be filed because the person is underage.
Multiple news agencies reported last week investigators were looking into a possible threat against the child after someone offered a reward for the identity of the juvenile’s family, but Sheriff Brad Lance said those claims are false.
Buddy was transported by officials from the scene on Peavine Road to Stateline Animal Clinic in DeSoto County. He was treated at Bluff City Vet Specialists in Memphis where his wounds were cleaned and his head was wrapped in bandages to protect delicate skin and prevent further infection, officials said.
A Facebook post from the Tunica Humane Society stated Buddy had his first skin grafts Friday, April 30, and they were applied to his deepest wounds at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. During his skin graft surgery, doctors placed fish skin over Buddy’s face.
A specialist examined Buddy’s eyes and remains hopeful he will be able to see. Currently, bandages cover Buddy’s entire face except his nose and mouth.
According to the Tunica Humane Society Facebook page, Buddy’s fur is regrowing around his nose “All of that is looking good,” said Dr. Elizabeth Swanson from MSU. “The swelling in his face continues to go down and he is beginning to look like a dog again. One of his ears was very badly burned and that has been especially painful for him.”
Swanson said some burns have surfaced on Buddy’s front leg, which requires him to wear a boot.
“He enjoys walking outside and loves all of the attention he is getting from the staff,” Swanson added. “Buddy wags his tail constantly even though he is on heavy pain medication. He continues to eat well, continues to improve and continues to be a warrior.”
