A Labrador retriever, who had been discovered in shock on Peavine Road in Tate County near Memphis, Tennessee on April 22, 2021 had been set on fire, and his face had been a blackened mess. Just days later, the Tate County’s Sheriff’s Office released a statement that a child under the age of 12 had purposely set Buddy on fire, but no criminal charges would be pursued because of his age.
The child confessed to Tate County Sheriff Brad Lance he had tied the dog named Buddy up using an electrical cord around his neck and set the dog on fire.
The Tunica Humane Society stepped up and offered to help Buddy, knowing that the dog’s recovery would be extremely expensive and exhausting. Buddy spent months at Mississippi State being treated for his critical injuries and nearly four months in total darkness as bandages over his face protected his wounds. In August, the bandages on the dog’s face and eyes were removed; the sweet dog was once again able to see.
Buddy continues to struggle with one area between his eyes that still has not completely healed. Even though he wears a much smaller bandage, he still is required to wear an e-collar most of the time to prevent him from rubbing that area of his face.
The staff at Mississippi State love Buddy. They have spent countless hours investing in the future teaching him manners and all kinds of commands. He is a happy, energetic, robust, typical lab except for the horrific injuries that he suffered at the hands of his abuser. Those scars will never leave him. They will always serve as his badge of courage and his undeniable will to live.
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As for the perfect family to adopt Buddy, the search continues. Finding a family close to Mississippi State is important so he can continue his checkups and well-care with Dr. Swanson. We can tell you that Buddy loves to take walks, play fetch and loves the attention of everyone he meets. He should do fine with older children and needs an active family. It is strongly suggested that he be the only dog in the family; and he needs to be loved for all the right reasons – not just because he made headlines.
If your heart has made a special connection with Buddy through his stories and the photos, and you feel you can give him the care and love he deserves, please click here and apply to adopt him. He is waiting for his new family and promises to shower you with his love. Please share his story – somewhere the perfect family is waiting to meet him and fall in love.
Read previous coverage here.
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