His gums were pale and cold -- he was hours away from death when an Elizabeth, N J resident saw his emaciated condition. She contacted the homeowner admonishing them of their lack of care or concern. After the scolding, they gave her the dog and warned that they would not be responsible for the veterinary costs.

The dog, known as Pinocchio, was brought to Dr. Tony Tavormina at the VIP Animal Hospital in Elizabeth. The dog was immediately put on IV fluids and then he contacted the Society and the NJ SPCA to take the dog and the cruelty investigation. The Society ambulance was sent out to bring the pointer mix to the Newark Medical Dept. where he continued with IV fluids and was also given food.

The pictures cannot convey the extent of starvation that the dog had suffered. Due to the extremely cold weather, it is doubtful he would have survived the night. Pinocchio was so weak, he could not stand but lay quietly as medical staff worked to give him the necessary support. Like every animal that comes through our doors, Pinocchio did not deserve the apathy and disinterest that allowed him to waste away. The NJ SPCA is presently investigating the matter.

And as for Pinocchio, just like his namesake he has a dream to become a real live boy and yearns for love and acceptance. As Jiminy Cricket once told Pinocchio, "Like a bolt out of the blue, Fate steps in and sees you through. When you wish upon a star, Your dreams come true". File N-68107-M (Newark).

Note 1/21/08: We are very sad to report that Pinocchio, despite the best in medical care, did not pull through. But he knew that there were people who REALLY cared. He enjoyed a wonderful home-cooked meal with gusto. And a staffer held him close and kissed him on his nose. As he left this world, he probably looked back and realized that what he had missed during his neglected time on earth, he briefly and finally savored. .