"[Baron's] looking so much better - his coat was dull and you can see his ribs. [Now] he's getting shiny and he's filling out," Kathy Bilitzke said.
A dog discovered mutilated on the streets of Michigan is now looking forward to a full recovery thanks to a reconstructive surgery and an outpouring of love across the country.
Last week, Baron the Rottweiler, who had his nose, ears and tail cut off, underwent surgery for his injuries.
The procedure lasted more than two hours, and surgeons from Michigan State University were able to cover his nasal passage, correct the gaping hole on his face and amputate part of his tail that had been chopped off. Baron was also neutered during the procedure.
“He’s looking so much better – his coat was dull and you can see his ribs," Kathy Bilitzke of the Michigan Humane Society told InsideEdition.com. "[Now] he’s getting shiny and he’s filling out. He’s just gaining weight now because he’s eating regularly, but as far as surgical care regarding the abuse, he doesn’t need anything else.”
The rescue has already received more than 30 applications to adopt Baron, although they rarely receive more than a single application per pup.
“We anticipate he’ll need about two to three weeks for recovery, and at that point, he should be ready to go to his forever home,” Bilitzke said.
While rescuers believe Baron would make a full recovery, the Michigan Humane Society are continuing to actively search for the person who inflicted his horrific injuries.
“His [abuser] sliced off [his nose], and his tail had been unprofessionally docked and there was a bone hanging out,” Bilitzke said. “Both his ears were sliced off, but they were healing on their own and required no surgery.”
While the rescue started by offering a $2,500 reward, they have since upped the amount to more than $40,000, as a response to people around the country and even around the world donating to the efforts to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Bilitzke said they even received a handwritten note and a $2 donation from a 4-year-old boy in Arizona.
Read: Abused Rescue Dog Is Now a Champion Athlete: 'She Lives for This'
“We’re incredibly thankful for the outpouring of love and support for Baron,” Bilitzke said. “He’s already so loved. The team here, we’re crazy about him.”
She said that while they are continuing to receive tips regarding the case, the information is yet to produce a solid lead.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Michigan Humane Society Cruelty Investigation Department at (313) 872-3401.
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