Sweet dog dragged from car in ‘horrific’ abuse. Now fighter gets second chance
A sweetheart of a dog managed to survive a terrifying case of extreme neglect and is now on the mend, an animal shelter in Louisville says.
Iris was the victim of abuse that the Kentucky Humane Society said no dog ever should have to go through.
The Facebook post contains graphic images and details of animal neglect. The shelter would like readers to know that Iris is currently safe and in “loving” hands.
“This is Iris. She arrived at our Sam Swope Pet Treatment and Lifesaving Center earlier this week, and our hearts have broken for her ever since,” the shelter said in the May 30 post.
“Her injuries are nothing short of horrific. Witnesses say they saw Iris being dragged from a car on a busy road on Monday. She was found by a riverbank near death, the skin on her feet and legs completely removed. Her stomach and chest are covered in awful road rash. Her injuries indicate that Iris attempted to stand up and stop herself from being pulled further down the road.”
Thanks to the witnesses, the shelter was able to get Iris the care she needed.
“Iris’s abuse resulted in horrendous degloving injuries on all four legs. We immediately gave her strong pain medication and antibiotics in hopes of keeping her already critical condition from worsening, before tearfully cleaning her wounds,” the shelter said.
The shelter said Iris had muscles and tendons exposed, and her paw pads were “torn off.” Shelter workers also covered her paws and legs to avoid infection.
“Though her healing will be touch-and-go for quite some time, Iris is now safe and comfortable, and that’s what matters most,” the shelter said.
Despite the abuse, Iris hasn’t lost her loving nature and understands that those around her are set on giving her the medical attention and the human warmness she deserves.
“What Iris endured is unbelievable. Somehow, despite it all, she’s nothing but kind and trusting towards our staff as if she knows we’re here to help,” the shelter noted.
For more information, visit the shelter’s website.
This story was originally published May 30, 2025 at 5:38 PM with the headline "Sweet dog dragged from car in ‘horrific’ abuse. Now fighter gets second chance."