What happened to Ember is truly horrifying. What’s worse – it likely wasn’t the first time.
When ARL Animal Services officers responded to a Des Moines Police call about an injured puppy involved in a domestic violence investigation, what they found made their blood run cold: The thin, blood-stained puppy was shaking in pain and unable to stand or even sit up. When we gently touched her, her cry was closer to a scream.
Our ASOs gathered her up as carefully as they could and rushed the crying pup to our veterinary team for urgent care. The puppy, who we named Ember, had fresh, traumatic injuries to her eye, bruising inside of her mouth and swelling on her neck. X-rays confirmed that two bones in her front leg were broken … and they also showed something even more grim: Her jaw was fractured – an injury that likely occurred prior to her other injuries.
Ember’s injuries are consistent with repeated physical trauma. Who knows how many times this tiny pup had to endure such horrific abuse.
Right now, Ember is fighting to recover and is receiving medications to manage her pain. She is finally safe, but she needs your help.
Victims like Ember are the reason our emergency responders – and our Miracle Medical Fund – are so critical. We don’t know yet what Ember will need during her recovery, but we know that with your help, she will never again experience the terror she went through.
Your gift to our Miracle Medical Fund allows us to be there for vulnerable pets like Ember as soon as they need us. Your donation today will help Ember right now, and your monthly donation will help not just Ember but the next innocent animal who needs lifesaving help … and the next.
Please help us continue to provide critical care for pets who are injured and in pain with nowhere else to turn. Victims like Ember are counting on you.
P.S.: There is an established link between violence toward animals and violence toward humans – and this case is a horrifying example. That’s why it is critically important that animal cruelty be taken seriously by lawmakers and society at large – and why we continue to fight for change. When you give today or join our Loyal Friends Club monthly giving program, you’ll be automatically enrolled to receive updates on these animals.


























































