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Puppy found tied up, left for dead ready for a new start

After he was malnourished, abused and neglected, a puppy is getting a second chance, and soon a new home.

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — Just over a month ago he was brought to Indy Humane by someone who found him tied up in basement and left for dead. "Leonard" as he would soon be named by staff was malnourished, abused and neglected. There were doubts the young pup would survive.

But fast forward several weeks and Leonard is happy, healthy and ready for a new home.

"He's like a totally new dog than when he first arrived," Vet Tech Annabeth Young said. "His personality has come out, he knows how to play now. ... He's just spunky and has such attitude and is very spoiled now."

Young said Indy Humane was overwhelmed at the outpouring of support they received after news of Leonard spread.

"Words can't describe how thankful all of us are at how receptive the public was to his situation," she said. "He was an exceptional case, a dog so neglected, underfed and unloved and to have people see him and donate toward his care is overwhelming. And we're able to not only help him now but others in his situation."

She said they're still not sure what kind of dog Leonard is other than a Terrier mix. He weighs about 25 pounds and because he was so malnourished, he may not get any bigger.

Young said Leonard will be put up for adoption over the next few days. She notes the adoption process is first come basis. Those interested in Leonard should keep tabs on the Indy Humane website.

As for the person or people responsible for leaving Leonard to die? Young said there is an open investigation involving Indianapolis Animal Care Services and IMPD. She said they gave police all the information they had but it was incomplete because it was a third party that dropped him off.

"I just really hope we can close the loop on that and see justice served," Young said. "We're just lucky someone saw him before it was too late."

IACS reminds people to report animal neglect or abuse immediately using the Request Indy mobile app or website, which are both available 24/7.

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