Starved, abandoned puppy now adopted

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A dog found abandoned and starving in Buffalo now has a second chance at life. One of the ambulance drivers who found "Metro" adopted the pit bull on Monday.

In late November, Norine Hoch was making her rounds in a Rural Metro ambulance when her partner let out a yell. What she spotted was a dog left so frail they didn't know if it was still alive. But several months later, Metro the puppy was adopted by the same person who rescued her.

Hoch said, "When we were holding her, her eyes were looking at us like: 'Help me.' She couldn't raise her head. She was like in a fetal position; she couldn't even move. Right away when her big brown eyes just looked at you, she made you melt."

The last few months have been quite a struggle for the emaciated puppy. But thanks to the care of the SPCA and Metro's foster family, the then 8-pound dog is now up to a very healthy 24-pounds and is a very active and loving puppy.

The investigation to find who left Metro on the doorstep of a closed animal clinic is still continuing, but so far not may leads have developed.

SPCA Public Relations Director Gina Browning said, "There are a million back stories possible here. This is a dog who could have became a stray as a puppy who never knew how to fend for herself, couldn't eat. Could have somebody done this to her? It's possible"

Metro will now be renamed Abby, but will always have ties to her rescuers. The Rural Metro Ambulance Company is also donating the $750 that were needed to cover the costs of her health needs and adoption.