Help Needed to Save Dog Left Alone When Owner Died

Heidi's Legacy Dog Rescue of Lithia is on a mission to save a 2-year-old German shepherd that was left alone when his owner died and later discovered starving and covered with mites and fleas.

He is now under veterinary care and is in critical condition.

"Sadly, Bruno's owner passed away and evidently it was not discovered for quite some time," said Heidi's Legacy founder Lori Hoffman. "There is no way of knowing how long Bruno was left alone with his deceased owner, without food, water or basic care."

Hoffman said when her organization discovered Bruno at Pasco County Animal Services Aug. 5, he was very thin and covered with mange and open, bleeding sores, making it difficult for him to move or lay down.

"To make matters, worse, this boy was at a very high-kill shelter with no air conditioning," said Hoffman.

The shelter released Bruno to Heidi's Legacy, which promptly sought veterinary treatment. His condition is serious. He is being treated for anemia and mange but continues to run a fever of 105.3 degrees.

Now the nonprofit is seeking donations to help pay for his treatment.

"Bruno is an absolute sweetheart with a very loving disposition," said Hoffman. "He has some of the saddest, yet most beautiful eyes. Heidi's Legacy is looking forward to helping this gentle soul heal and experience love again. He continues to amaze us with his wonderful disposition."

Heidi's Legacy has set up a web page detailing Bruno's progress and appealing to the community for help. So far, the organization has raised $2,535.