Watch CBS News

Animal Rescue League Saves Emaciated Dog From Cold

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Animal Rescue League is staying open through Saturday night due to the bitter cold temperatures.

Friday night, a five-month-old puppy was found freezing and emaciated in East Liberty.

Falcor is a pit bull mix. He's more dead than alive, but he's holding on.

"He's alive, durable and wants love," said Emilie St. Landau, an employee at the Animal Rescue League.

Love is something that the five-month-old puppy has never experienced. He was found near death in a lot at the intersection of Bennet Street and Hale Street in Homewood.

"He doesn't have the strength to stand up, he can't stand for more than 30 minutes at a time," St. Landau said. "He's got a wound on his paw he doesn't have enough muscle so he essentially stands on his wrists and elbows."

Falcor weighs 14 pounds, he should be 30-35 pounds. Cars passed him as he laid in the lot, but eventually someone stopped to try and help him.

"He would not have made it through the cold night," St. Landau said.

Tests show he's free of parasites and internal ailments, which suggests that someone intentionally starved him before dumping him in the parking lot. He has a long road ahead to health.

Animal Rescue League Donation Manager Joe Tedesco has advice for dog owners.

"Let them outside to go the bathroom, throw a snowball, and let them back," he urges. "In the city, if it's under 32 degrees your dog cannot be out for more than 30 minutes. I'd encourage them not stay out more than 15 minutes."

It isn't just good advice, it's the law.

According to a statement from Executive Director Dan Rossi, the shelter is staying open over night to accept any animals that are left out in the cold.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.