Dog chews off hind leg after becoming tangled in curtain cords, soon up for adoption

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A five-month-old Terrier puppy will soon be up for adoption after a tragic accident.

Officials with the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) say Elsa was brought to them on Monday, December 22nd. Her previous owner had left Elsa home alone, loose in the house. When the owner arrived home, Elsa was tangled in curtain cords, bleeding. She had chewed off her hind leg in an attempt to free herself.

Despite the injury, WHS officials say when she arrived at their facility, she was full of kisses and her tail was wagging away. The veterinary staff immediately gave her pain medication and antibiotics to ward off infection.  Because of the significant damage, further amputation was needed and WHS veterinarians performed the surgery the very next day.

Elsa

“Dogs, especially puppies, can learn to adapt and function very well on three legs, and usually keep up with their four-legged counterparts with no problem,” Angela Speed, vice president of communications at WHS said in a news release.

Elsa is expected to make a full recovery and barring any medical complications, she will go up for adoption by the end of the week.

Humane Society officials say Elsa's story drives home the importance of not leaving young dogs alone.

"They are so curious at this age. They're just like toddlers, so it's really important to get on all fours yourself, crawl around your house see what kind of things are accessible to your pet because you really do need to puppy proof or kitten proof your home to insure their safety," Speed said.

Donations are currently being solicited on Elsa’s behalf to cover the cost of her surgery and medical care. To make a donation, visit wihumane.org or call 414-431-6128.