The depths to which human depravity can sink, as illustrated by this story and gutwrenching pictures can shock even those of us who have seen the worst of the worst.

The skeleton of a dog when he came into the Society's Medical Department, above and left.

The misery, pain and callousness inflicted by humans is more than can be understood by most people. It's accepted that many people do not like animals or dogs or pit bulls in particular. However, the heartless manner in which a dying animal is tossed away like garbage is not only reprehensible but the increase that we have seen indicates a downward spiral of compassion, moral fiber and ethics.

The 22 story apartment building is equipped with garbage chutes on each floor for tenants. Someone had no more use for this dog. They had starved it to near death, put it in a garbage bag and threw it down the garbage chute. A maintenance worker cleans out the bin every few days and on Wednesday, March 16th, they were cleaning out the contents of the container to go directly into a trash compacter. The bag moved a little and the worker opened it to find a moribund dog inside -- pathetically thin, cold and near death.

Every bone in his body protrudes from his starvation.

The City of Newark Animal Control was contacted and ACO Arthur Skinner picked up the dog and brought him directly to the Society. The veterinary staff immediately put him on intravenous fluid.His temperature was so low that it did not even register on the thermomenter. He was covered with heating pads and blnakets. Society vet tech Gina DeSalvo held the pit bull in her arms -- she soothed him, gave him warmth, comfort and bits of food. From that moment on, he looked up with gratitude in his eyes to all of the staff.

Wrapped in blankets, on a heating pad, and given fluids and attention from staff, Patrick pulled through his first 24 hours.

After a brief time at the Society's Newark facility, he was ambulanced to Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls -- a referral hospital with 24 hour emergency care. If he died during that night, we feel he would know that everyone loved and cared about him and treated him gently and lovingly. He amazed everyone at the Society and at Garden State by surviving with the 24 hour emergency care that they rendered. He was given a blood transfusion, a bath -- and even a walk! In honor of the first day of his re-birth, we call him Patrick -- in honor of St. Patrick's Day and we hope he has the luck of the Irish!. File 99623-F.

The Society's Res-Q Fund is just what is needed for emergency situations as this. The expenses involved are high and the effort to save this dog comes at a great cost. Although emaciated dogs have come in for our help, we have never seen one this wasted. There will be a long road to recovery and your donations to the Res-Q Fund will help Patrick. Please donate today!

We are also accepting donations towards a reward fund. The Society is offering a $2,000.00 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s). If you would like to contribute towards the reward fund, please indicate this specifically in Instructions when you make your donation. Thank you for your help.

Read an Update on Patrick!

These pictures are proprietary to the Associated Humane Societies/Popcorn Park. No one has the right to use or reproduce these pictures.