MHS Offering $10,000 Reward In Burned Dog Case
The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who intentionally set a dog on fire this past Halloween weekend in Detroit.

DETROIT – The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who intentionally set a dog on fire this past Halloween weekend in Detroit. The dog, a brindle-colored Pit Bull Terrier/Shepherd mix, was later brought to the Michigan Humane Society’s Detroit Center for Animal Care. Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to contact MHS’ Cruelty Investigation Hotline at (313) 872-3401.

The incident occurred in the 15700 block of Dexter near Puritan in Detroit. The dog’s barks alerted a neighbor and the owner, who found the dog engulfed in flames. As the dog’s condition worsened, the owner made the decision to surrender the animal to the Michigan Humane Society.

December 23, 2010
A long, difficult and inspirational journey came to a happy end today as Lady, a brindle-colored pit bull mix that was set on fire over Halloween weekend, was adopted by Gretchen Kohsmann, a Lansing fire investigator and director of the Great Lakes Burn Camp in Texas Township, a refuge for child victims of burns. Members of the Michigan Humane Society’s (MHS) Cruelty Investigation Department and rescue team were on hand to say goodbye.

“To see Lady going to a wonderful home after all that she’s been through – it’s special,” said Michigan Humane Society Cruelty Investigator Michele Baxter, who has handled Lady’s case. “I hope that Lady’s story of recovery will inspire these kids, just as she’s inspired us here at MHS.”

Gretchen picked up Lady this morning at MHS’ Berman Center for Animal Care in Westland. After a meet-and-greet session with Gretchen’s children and two dogs, Lady headed back to Gretchen’s home in mid-Michigan, where she’ll live when camp is not in session.

At the camp, Lady will have a chance to meet and play with dozens of fellow burn victims, who come to the camp every year to live life to the fullest, even in the face of their often-serious injuries.

December 3, 2010
Lady's burn wounds continue to heal, and today, she got to spend time with another dog that has been featured in the news, Scarlett. With both Lady and Scarlett recovering and being forced to wear cones, they had plenty to talk about! Check out the pictures on the MHS Facebook Page to see how their first meeting went.

December 2, 2010
We’ve created a video about Lady’s story featuring an interview with Michele Baxter, the MHS Investigator assigned to Lady’s case. Remember, if you have any information about who did this to Lady, there is a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this horrific act of cruelty.

November 23, 2010
Lady is on track to go into a foster home sometime after Thanksgiving to continue her recovery. Lady’s burns are continuing to heal and is continuing to charm everyone she meets.

Lady will likely be fostered by a member of MHS’ Cruelty Investigation team that has experience in dealing with the needs of a badly abused animal. However, if you would like to help more animals like Lady that need a little extra time and TLC to find their forever home, please consider becoming an MHS In-Home Hero! Learn more about MHS’ foster program and how you can join today!

November 18, 2010
PLEASE NOTE – Recently, local media has covered the story of a court hearing for two men who allegedly set fire to a pit bull in Detroit and took a video with their cell phone. This is not the same case as Lady’s. We are still looking for the individual(s) responsible for Lady’s torment, so we can bring them to justice. If you have any information, please contact the MHS Cruelty Investigation Hotline at (313) 872-3401.

November 17, 2010 
Lady is recovering well from her surgery last week and seems to have more and more energy every day as she heals. She spends much of her time in a cone in order to prevent her from scratching at her facial wounds, which look significantly better from when she first came in. MHS veterinarians are encouraged by her fast recovery, which has enabled her to spend some time outside to get some fresh air and exercise.

Lady continues to charm everyone she meets, as you can see by the pictures of her with staff members at the Detroit Center for Animal Care. They’ve all been touched by her story and bravery in the face of this horrible act of cruelty. As a reminder, the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Lady’s tormentors is now $10,000. If you have any information, please contact the MHS Cruelty Investigation Hotline at (313) 872-3401.

November 15, 2010
MHS Veterinarians are seeing positive results from last week's surgery. Lady is hooked up to an IV and is resting.  Tail wags when people approach her.

November 14, 2010
MHS is partnering with a number of groups and concerned citizens who have generously offered their assistance to increase the reward  to $10,000 with the hopes of catching Lady’s tormentors and preventing future four-legged victims.

November 11, 2010
Lady has been resting comfortably from her surgery and is on a pain medication schedule so she will remain as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. She will also receive a treatment of burn cream each day to heal her wounds. This will be a long battle for her, but she is persevering like a champ so far!  Thank you to all of our friends for the well wishes!  She is a remarkable girl and so lucky to have all of your support!

November 10, 2010
Lady received additional surgical treatment at our Detroit Center for Animal Care this morning for her burn wounds. Our MHS vet staff is very optimistic as they found a lot of healthy skin cells near the injured areas. Lady is in good spirits and continues to improve.

November 8, 2010
The dog is currently receiving treatment at the Detroit Center for Animal Care. The dog’s injuries are very severe, and the current prognosis is unknown.

It can cost thousands of dollars and take months to treat the wounds of a badly burned dog.  Operations, pain medication and extra bandages all cost money.  We think Lady is worth every penny.  This special dog is badly burned, but is still the sweetest, nicest dog in our care and has found her way into our hearts.  We hope that Lady can find a way into your heart as well.

Your support can go a long way towards helping Lady and other animals like her make a full recovery and find new loving homes.  Please, make a donation today.