Puppy Crippled in Late Night Attack

By Dave Franzman, Reporter

Tools

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jun 1, 2007 at 5:46 PM CST

Story Updated: Jun 1, 2007 at 8:22 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - A Cedar Rapids family wants your help in finding whoever beat and severely crippled their 4-month-old puppy.

The family believes three teens grabbed Apalo from the family's mobile home porch on Summer Circle late Tuesday night, and crippled the dog.

"They did open up our door and get the dog out here and the dog tried getting away under the ramp," said Mark Streight, the dog’s owner.

Katie and Mark Streight still can't believe what happened on their porch late tuesday. Their 30-pound St. Bernard was in this enclosed area when they heard him howling and whimpering.

"He gets tangled up out here once in a while. He'll whimper and whine, but I seen him pulling himself back up and his back legs were not working at all."

Streight saw three teens running away, but didn't see enough to offer police a description. Officers told the family without more information, there's not much they can do. The family didn't know if Apalo would survive, and couldn't afford expensive tests and a big vet bill. Veterinarian Sara Schipper and her staff at Critter Clinic in Marion offered the family an adoption alternative.

"We have offered to have him signed over to us. If he does make it, he'll have a home with one of us," said Dr. Sara Schipper, veterinarian.

Doctor Schipper found no broken bones, but suspects Apalo may have significant brain damage the Streight's say they can't explain why a stranger would do anything so cruel.

The family's puppy was beaten late Tuesday night at the Five Seasons Mobile Home Park in Cedar Rapids. Anyone with information should contact Cedar Rapids police.

Next Article Steel Rising From The Ground at Cedar Rapids’ New Convention Center

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.