Story of abused N. Charleston dog gains worldwide attention

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - The story of a Lowcountry dog found with its muzzle shut with electrical tape has sent shockwaves around the world.

Caitlyn's story is being shared over and over on social media, from the Lowcountry all the way to England.

"It's amazing, it's phenomenal," said Joe Elmore, Charleston Animal Society CEO."It's getting a groundswell of attention locally, and then it went viral."

Many people who saw the pictures of her Caitlyn's mouth shut with electrical tape were outraged.

Veterinarians say Caitlyn would have died of starvation if more time went by before she was found.

"We have to have a little bit of that anger, a little bit of that fighting spirit. We're tired of this, we're sick and tired of it," Elmore said.

Elmore says it's going to cost thousands of dollars to treat Caitlyn's injuries.

She lost the tip of her tongue and part of her lip.

That's where Toby's Fund comes into play with donations from the public.

"Toby was a dog who also was tortured if you will. Someone threw chemicals on her, burned her because she barked," Elmore said.

Elmore says the animal society is thrilled that so many people want to help Caitlyn, but he's asking folks to consider helping other injured dogs and even adopting one.

"There are a lot of 'Caitlyns' but the most important thing anybody can do right now is to make room for one more," Elmore said.

Elmore says he expects Toby's fund to be depleted by the end of the month.

Anyone who wants to donate can visit Toby's Fund on the Charleston Animal Society's web page.

North Charleston police have arrested Caitlyn's owner, who is accused of abusing the dog.

William Leonard Dodson was arrested Monday night and charged with animal cruelty. He was issued a $50,000 bond Tuesday, and told he must surrender a second dog he owns.

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