BETHEL — A puppy whose muzzle was bound and severely damaged was taken to the Bethel Animal Hospital on Friday by an animal control officer.

Kathy Farren, a veterinary technician at the hospital, said the puppy, which they are calling “Blue,” was found in Newry.

She said the damage to Blue’s muzzle was caused by his mouth being taped or tied shut for a long time.

Blue was quickly taken to the Bethel Animal Hospital, where Farren said he is “doing great.”

“He’s the cutest little thing,” Farren said. “He’s eating and wagging his tail. His wounds are pretty severe, but it doesn’t seem to bother him a bit.”

Farren said the hospital was giving Blue antibiotics to for “the worst part of the infection,” though the treatment was expected to be difficult and expensive.

“On Monday, we’re going to put him under anesthesia to do some debriding, which is cutting away dead tissue,” Farren said. “One side of his mouth is worse than the other and needs to be sutured back together.”

Blue’s injuries, and the circumstances in which he was found, are “uncommon” for the Bethel Animal Hospital, Farren said.

“It’s not something that you see every day,” she said. “There was something in the news recently where a dog had its muzzle duct-taped, and the injuries looked similar to this.”

Marcy Collins, also a veterinary technician, said the hospital was unsure exactly how much the treatment would cost and that it would depend on how quickly the dog heals.

“With injuries like his, and with how low his calories are, it’s going to take a little time,” Collins said.  

Farren said people can donate to Blue’s treatment by calling the hospital at 207-824-2212, and telling the veterinary technicians that they wish to donate money to Blue.

“The phones have been ringing off the hook so far,” Farren said. “We’ve already raised $2,000 since posting it on Facebook.”

mdaigle@sunmediagroup.net