ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – A dog found in a ditch Monday night by the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office has died, according to Angels of Assisi.
The dog was found Monday evening, scared and emaciated, abandoned near Button’s Bluff, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies believe the dog, now named Mr. Button, was left there to die.
“When he first came here, we weren’t sure if he was still with us or not,” said Angels of Assisi Director Lisa O’Neil. She said they started lab work right away.
Button’s blood sugar was in the 20s and his temperature was so low it didn’t register. He was also suffering from severe anemia. The vets performed an emergency blood transfusion.
“He seems to be fighting, and we’re fighting right behind him, and we’ve had a whole army of people in this community and beyond who are really, really pulling for him,” said O’Neil before Mr. Buttons died.
Wednesday morning, Button was able to lift his head and eat a few bites of food, giving O’Neil hope. but quickly deteriorated to needing a second transfusion.
“One message we want to get out is, if you need help with your animal, if you need help with medical care, if you need help with food, reach out to us. We’re here to help. We’re not here to judge people,” said O’Neil.
The FBI Crime Data Explorer reports between 2018-2022, there have been over 67,000 animal cruelty incidents in the U.S. The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office is offering a reward for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
Angels of Assisi issued the following statement regarding the dog’s death:
“Sometimes the best we can do when an animal comes in who has been suffering a long time is give them comfort and peace. The feeling of finally receiving back the love they give so freely. Be it hours or days, it’s never enough, but you pour as much into them to try and compensate for the horrible pain they endured during their lives.
We are heartbroken to say this is the case with Mr. Buttons. His heart gave out last night, and took a huge piece of ours and yours with him. In his honor today, please be extra kind, hug your pets hard, and consider fostering or adopting a shelter pet.
We know the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work hard on his case, and we thank our medical team for pulling out every treatment they could to save him. Thank you also to Emergency Veterinary & Specialty Services of Roanoke for their tremendous efforts last night.
If anyone is interested in a Memorial Service for him, please let us know in the comments. It feels like he deserves one, and we would love to have a celebration of the love you all sent and bring awareness to the harsh and painful reality of animal abuse.
There aren’t enough ways to say thank you, but please know how much we appreciate you support. Rest easy Mr. Buttons, we love you.”
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