Story Created:
Nov 24, 2009 at 9:17 PM MST
Story Updated:
Nov 25, 2009 at 3:07 PM MST
BOISE - "Her right hip is also broken," said Dr. Steve Basinger, head veterinary at Ada Veterinary Hospital.
Five puppies and their mom Barbie were brought to Boise by Northwest Animal Companions after concerns were raised over the dogs care.
Andi Elliot - who works with the Humane Society in the Upper Valley - got a call last Friday.
"They said that their neighbors dog had been hit by a car the day before and it looked like their legs were broken and she had laid there all night long crying," said Elliot.
2 News sister station - KIDK - in Idaho Falls is reporting the owner's child told them the dog was fine and only had one broken leg.
The child went on to say the puppies were getting enough food, water, and shelter.
After checking with the owners over the weekend the Jefferson County Sheriff said there was no reason to doubt the dogs owners.
But after hearing the story the Executive Director of Northwest Animal Companions was still concerned. So, Troy Jackson drove to the owners home, talked with them, and they agreed to let NAC step-in.
When asked if it looks like Barbie has been neglected Dr. Basinger said: "That's hard to say. She may have been neglected for the last week or two or three but all in all no I don't think so."
X-Rays taken on Tuesday night at the veterinary hospital confirm Barbie has a broken left front leg and a broken back hip and both will require surgery.
As for the puppies: "They all look like they are nice and fat puppies. Looks like she's (Barbie) had plenty of milk or food - somewhere they've been getting fed," said Dr. Basinger.
NAC says it's unclear what will happen to the dogs once they're cared for but the hope is to find each of them a warm place to call home.
The Jefferson County Sheriff says no charges have been filed against the dogs owners.
Barbie will need two surgeries to help repair her broken bones. All of the dogs are staying at a foster home while being taken care of in Boise.
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A fund has been set up to pay for the veterinarian costs. Donations can be made at any Washington Trust Bank under the account name "Northwest Animal Companions."