Community Corner

Pink 'Mystery' Puppy Found on Peninsula With Fractured Leg

The two-month old dog was found lying in the street, unable to use her back right leg.

A female Chihuahua puppy with dyed pink fur was found by a Good Samaritan in East Palo Alto earlier this month, and the Peninsula Humane Society is now trying to find a home for the dog.

The puppy, named "Candy" by humane society staff, was found around 5 p.m. on Jan. 13, then transferred to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA in San Mateo. The dog was lying in the street when found and was unable to use her back right leg. 

The puppy was found wearing no collar or ID tags and does not have a microchip. No owners have visited or contacted PHS/SPCA to report a missing dog matching this dog’s description.

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X-rays show a hairline fracture of the right rear tibia, according to humane society staff.

A fracture of this kind in a dog her size could have occurred from jumping off a bed or couch or from someone stepping on her.

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She is currently receiving pain medication and rest at PHS/SPCA. The injury will not require surgery or a cast at this time. 

Staff bathed the dog and the dye did not come off; it is unclear what was used to dye her or how quickly it will fade or possibly disappear entirely. 

“We don’t know if an owner is missing this dog and hoping to be reunited, but, if so, that would be our priority,” said PHS/SPCA spokesperson Scott Delucchi.

The shelter encourages any owners missing pets to visit the their intake facility at 12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo, to look at the stray animals on site and also file a Lost Animal report.

Since the dog’s legally-mandated holding expired and since no owner has come forward, PHS/SPCA is now looking to place the dog into foster care. PHS/SPCA will also consider potential adopters at this time, as long as they fully understand that the first few months will need to be quiet, recuperative ones, and that they also acknowledge the dog’s condition. 

Interested foster parents or adopters should call 650/340-7022, ext. 382.

Until PHS/SPCA can find a temporary foster home or permanent home through adoption, medical staff will continue to supervise Candy’s cage rest and provide pain medication.


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