LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A puppy pulled from a dumpster with two broken legs is now on the road to a new life as investigators continue to search for who left him there.
In a social media message posted by local rescue group Hearts Alive Village, a puppy was found near a dumpster at the Valley Ranch Animal Hospital, located near Valle Verde Drive and the 215 in Henderson, last week.
Amy Clatterbuck, director of operations for Hearts Alive Village, said the dog’s injuries were serious, and ultimately more extensive than first believed.
Later renamed Treasure, the Belgian Malinois mix was diagnosed with two broken legs and a jaw fracture that was already healing from a prior injury. Within days of arriving at the rescue, he needed emergency treatment at Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center (LVVSC) and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (VECC).
Clatterbuck credited the specialty teams for Treasure’s progress. “They’ve really pulled through and done wonders for this boy,” she said. She added that his story quickly sparked community support and helped expedite his placement. “He’s not trash. He is our treasure,” Clatterbuck said.
After about two months of rehabilitation in a foster home with a Hearts Alive employee, Treasure is expected to move into a permanent adoptive home already lined up through a previous Hearts Alive adopter. On Thursday, staff held a send-off as Treasure met his new family.
Treasure was first brought to Valley Ranch Animal Hospital, where he was examined by veterinarian Dr. Dina Ibrahim. Ibrahim said a client found the puppy while dropping off her own dog for a blood test. As she prepared to leave, she noticed “some eyes” in her rearview camera and stopped to check.
“She found this puppy abandoned somewhere near the trash cans in front of our hospital,” Ibrahim said. The woman brought him inside immediately, initially hoping she might be able to take him in herself. As the case became more complicated, Ibrahim said the Good Samaritan ultimately decided the puppy wouldn’t be a fit for her family or friends.
Ibrahim said the puppy showed clear mobility problems and struggled to put weight on his left leg. X-rays revealed both legs appeared to be broken. Imaging also showed rocks in the abdomen. Ibrahim said the rocks could be consistent with a dog being kept outdoors and eating dirt, but she emphasized that the overall pattern of injuries was unusual.
Despite everything, Ibrahim said the puppy remained friendly and affectionate. “You would think trauma like that would make him averse to human contact,” she said. “But he was just the sweetest little guy… wagging his tail, licking us.”
Hearts Alive Village and LVVSC urges anyone who needs help rehoming a pet to contact local organizations such as The Animal Foundation, Henderson Animal Shelter, the Nevada SPCA, or other rescue groups.
Henderson Police told FOX5 on Monday that the case remains under active investigation and no additional details are available at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.
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