Update: May 4, 2021
Baylor was adopted last week by his foster mom, Mariah!
The shepherd puppy was rescued by our partners in northern Minnesota and transferred to AHS for emergency surgery early last month. He had been found in a window well, barely responsive, with a tie-out cable wrapped tightly around his abdomen.
Baylor's surgery was successful, but recovery would take several weeks. We reached out to our foster volunteers asking if anyone had a comfortable home where he could heal. Mariah, who had seen the young dog's sad story on social media, received our email and responded immediately.
Baylor and Mariah on adoption day
Mariah was surprised by Baylor's resilience, amazed at what a happy puppy he was despite what he'd been through. Playful and smiley, he fit in perfectly with her other dogs. He mastered potty training and commands quickly thanks to his love of treats.
Baylor's surgical incision healed more quickly than expected. After just two weeks in foster care, our veterinary team decided he'd recovered enough for adoption. He was ready to find a family. But Mariah knew he was already home! She finalized his adoption last week.
Thank you for following Baylor's journey from rescue to adoption, and a special thanks to everyone who donated to his care! He'll now grow up happy and healthy, with plenty of siblings to play with, because of your support.
Please join us in congratulating Baylor and the 1,145 other animals who found second chances in April!
Update: April 15, 2021
After undergoing surgery last week, Baylor has been healing in a foster home and recovering well. Despite having to wear the “cone of shame” to protect his sensitive incision, he’s been in great spirits! “For what he’s been through, Baylor is a very happy guy. He’s adjusting quickly and is all smiles,” says his foster mom, Mariah.
Many of you have asked about Baylor’s mother, Carmen, who was rescued from the same home and was living with our rescue partners up north. We are happy to report that this week she was transferred into Animal Humane Society’s care! If you recall from our original post, we believe Carmen may have helped to protect Baylor and keep him alive while he was stuck in the window well.
Yesterday evening, mother and son were able to see each other for the first time since the rescue.
Carmen, a 2-year-old shepherd mix, is in good health and as we’ve gotten to know her, we’ve noticed what a playful lady she is under her serious exterior (she LOVES belly rubs). She will be having her spay surgery soon, after which we expect her to be ready to find a loving home.
Baylor will continue to heal in his foster home. We will keep you updated on his progress!
Baylor’s mother, Carmen, who was rescued from the same home.
Carmen and Baylor see each other for the first time since the rescue.
April 7, 2021
In early April, Baylor, a 4-month-old shepherd mix, was found in critical condition on a rural property in northern Minnesota. The rescue agency that was first alerted to Baylor’s situation reached out to Animal Humane Society for help.
WARNING: This story includes photos of Baylor's injuries
Hearing a soft cry, a passerby found Baylor in a window well with a cable wrapped tightly around his abdomen. The Good Samaritan notified our rescue partners that something seemed wrong, and that the young dog appeared in need of immediate help.
Baylor was barely responsive when help arrived. Based on his condition, the helpless young dog had likely been stuck in the window well for weeks. As our rescue partners worked to bring Baylor to safety, his mother stood by watching the whole time, as if to protect him from any further harm. We suspect she had been feeding him down in the well, keeping him alive just long enough to be discovered.
As Baylor’s rescuers pulled him from the window well, they made a gruesome discovery. The cable was embedded into the tissue around his waist, causing major trauma to his abdomen. It was clear that Baylor had been purposefully wrapped in the cable.
This was not an accident. It was deliberate animal abuse.
Sadly, Baylor’s situation was not the first report of animal cruelty linked to this residence — but with evidence finally in hand, our rescue partners and the local police department were ready to take action. Baylor and the other animals on the property were seized, and the owner was arrested and charged with animal cruelty.
Baylor was rushed to a local vet to see if anything could be done to save his life. The cable was cutting into his organs and needed to be removed immediately. While the vet was able to safely detach the cable, Baylor needed specialized care in order to repair the damage that was done. Animal Humane Society was the first to be called.
Yesterday, our veterinary team performed Preputial Reconstruction on Baylor to reattach his lower abdominal skin and restore urinary function. It’s an uncommon procedure, but our expert vets knew exactly what to do. The young dog is now safely recovering in a foster home until his sutures can be removed.
You can help Baylor as he heals.
Baylor has a long recovery ahead of him, but your support can help make a difference right now. Your donation will help Animal Humane Society address Baylor’s ongoing medical needs and care for other animals like him who need emergency veterinary procedures.
Follow Baylor's progress
We will continue to provide updates about Baylor as we receive them from our veterinary and foster teams. Check this page for notes on his progress.