A Lake County Public Works Road Maintenance Operations crew is being acknowledged today for their heroic efforts to save an emaciated, abandoned dog that they spotted along a busy road on Tuesday.
Matthew Dexter and Aaron Cates found the dog Tuesday afternoon while mowing grass along Sunnyside Drive in Leesburg and instantly noticed that the dog was abnormally thin, weak and in need of immediate medical attention.
The crew sprang into action, holding the dog to prevent it from being hit by a car and contacted Lake County Animal Enforcement. The dog was transported to the Lake County Animal Shelter where she weighed in at a mere 22 pounds.
Through the animal shelter’s partnership with local rescue agency, Pit Sisters Inc. based out of Jacksonville, the dog received emergency overnight care where veterinarians gave her fluids and provided life-saving supportive care and continuously monitored her recuperation.
“I know we have a great group of employees, but this week I found out we have a couple of heroes!” said Lori Koontz, Lake County Road Operations Division Manager.
Today the dog, affectionately named “Glory,” is eating, drinking and slowly gaining her strength back thanks to the combined efforts of our Lake County Road Operations crew, The Lake County Animal Shelter, and their partners.