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Community Corner

Patrick the Miracle Dog's Progress Good But Health Issues Remain

Patrick, the dog allegedly thrown down a Newark garbage chute by his owner, is doing remarkably well according to all who are caring for him.

Patrick the dog, who has attracted plenty of media attention and a following across the country—including some celebrities—is making great strides towards recovery, according to those who are caring for him.

“Right now, his progress is good,” said Bruce Sanchez, the director of the Association of the Humane Societies of Monmouth County (AHSMC) in Tinton Falls. Sanchez said that Patrick’s weight has stabilized at around 39 pounds from the emaciated 20 pounds when he was found starved and dumped at the bottom of a garbage chute in Newark.

While Patrick’s progress is looking up, the fate of the person who allegedly abused the pit bull is uncertain and may be determined on Friday, May 6. That’s when Kisha Curtis is expected to appear in a courtroom in Newark to face charges relating to alleged abuse of Patrick.

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Detractors have indicated on Facebook and the Internet that they plan on showing up outside the courthouse, en masse, to call attention to animal cruelty.

As for Patrick: “He’s doing great, doing absolutely wonderfully,” according to his physical therapist Susan Davis who donates her time to work with the dog. While Patrick still has "deficits," including weakness and muscle atrophy in his left hind leg, therapy should help to correct it, said Davis.

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Davis, who is the owner of joycare onsite, LLC, has been teaching Patrick how to walk on a leash and his "cadence" has begun to improve and gain speed. “He has so much more energy during the therapy sessions," said Davis. "His endurance is increasing and his strength.”

Patch received the following statement from Pat Smilie-Scavelli, director and founder of Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls where Patrick is recuperating:  “Because of legal court proceedings, all we can say is he is doing great and is continuing to improve.” She did not expand on what court proceedings she was referring to.

Patrick's media coverage has led to talk of Patrick’s Law, which calls for tougher  laws throughout the country to punish animal abusers. Then there is the possibility of a Patrick stamp, which Sanchez said has been proposed. Additionally, numerous YouTube videos and even Facebook pages are devoted to the Miracle Dog.

Sanchez said he has received over 4,000 applications for Patrick’s adoption, but he indicated that there are many dogs similar to Patrick looking for homes. He said the humane society in Monmouth County has five dogs who resemble Patrick awaiting adoption.

“Patrick is so trusting, playful—he’s an absolute darling,” Davis said.

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