UPDATE: Shelby, chemically burned black lab mix pup

UPDATE 1/28/2010: Sweet Shelby stayed at our vet's hospital for approximately two weeks while her burns healed, due to major infection she needed to be cleaned up about 4 times a day. We are now happy to report that she has been adopted by a loving family and is settling well into her new home!


Poor Shelby was found off an exit ramp of a major highway in Camden County, covered in scabbed-over wounds. She was discarded like trash out into the bitter cold of winter, but fortunately she was brought to the local shelter and has made her way safely to rescue.

Although the wounds looked to be healing, after her bath, the scabs fell off and revealed infected tissue covering almost all of her body. We suspect this was caused by chemical burns. Shelby is currently staying at our veterinary office, where she will receive the much needed treatment for her burns.




Although it is likely she will always have physical scars, Shelby does not let her past faze her. She is a bit on the shy side, but very sweet and wags her tail at the sight of a helping hand. If you sit on the ground and talk to her, you’ll soon find her in your lap, licking your chin.

As an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, Pet Rescue of Mercer relies heavily on your donations to continue saving lives. We desperately need your support to save Shelby. Contributions can be made online through our website www.petrescueofmercer.org or mailed directly to us at Pet Rescue of Mercer, P.O. Box 2574, Hamilton, NJ 08690.

With your help, we hope that in no time Shelby will be running and playing like a normal puppy! She’s full grown at approximately 40 pounds and is only about 1 year old. She is ready to start charming potential adopters, so if you’re looking to rescue an abandoned soul, or have fallen in love with her big puppy dog eyes, come and meet her!