UPS driver delivers by rescuing dog

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) - A UPS driver found a dying Chihuahua tied to a gutter in an industrial park and saved his life by bringing him to a spay and neuter clinic immediately.

The dog came in weighing at 4.5 lbs, malnourished and dehydrated.

"To think somebody would toss [this dog] on a gutter as a piece of garbage," said Cari DeLorenzo of Animal Control.

The Chihuahua mix, clinging to life, was found tied to a sewer drain in the scorching sun in Waterbury. A UPS driver took the animal to the H.O.P.E. Spay and Neuter Clinic for emergency care.

The clinic said that if the driver hadn't saved the Chihuahua, he would have died.

"We took a look at him and he was shaking, very nervous," said Veterinarian Dr. Loriz Ratzan of H.O.P.E. "He was scared."

They gave the dog fluids and treated the sores on his skin and deformed paws. And, the pooch perked up.

"I cried, honestly," said Robin Kane of H.O.P.E. "I thought to myself 'how on earth can somebody do this to this poor boy?'"

They named him Romeo because the little Chihuahua stole their hearts. He's now recovering in the care of the city's Animal Control. As they nurse him, officers hope someone will report whoever abandoned the animal.

"I mean this is just straight out abuse to let a dog live this way," said DeLorenzo.

But, the hope is Romeo will get a second chance.

"There is somebody out there that's going to look at him, like we did, and say 'that's my boy, that's my companion,'" said Kane.

Anyone who may want to help this dog, or make donations to help with his vet care, can contact the Waterbury Pound at 203-574-6909.