"He just stole our hearts," Zeus the dog found with extensive burns along body

Elaina Athans Image
Saturday, October 19, 2019
"He just stole our hearts," Zeus the dog found with extensive burns along body
A two-year-old pitbull is receiving extensive care for several burns along his body after a local doctor believes someone poured scalding along his spine.

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A two-year-old pitbull is receiving extensive care for several burns along his body after a local doctor believes someone poured scalding chemicals or hot water along his spine. Despite the dog's wounds, Zeus is proving to be a real warrior.

"It's his will to live," said Dr. Chuck Miller of Triangle Veterinary Hospital.

The dog was seriously abused and is fighting injuries. Miller believes someone either poured scalding water or chemicals along his spine. There are wounds along his back, legs and even tail.

"It just breaks your heart that someone would do something like this to an animal," said Miller. "He's always giving us kisses and he's so trusting."

The rescue organization Carolina Adopt-a-Bulls heard about his condition. Volunteers took him from a shelter near Concord and brought him to Durham to receive care.

"He just stole our hearts immediately,' said Miller.

He also arrived with a broken hip. Zeus is recovering after completing surgery on Monday.

Zeus is on several antibiotics and painkillers. He's sedated then given hydrotherapy.

Some of his wounds are starting to heal, but Miller believes he will need skin grafting.

"He's going to have a long road ahead," he said. "He's going to require some surgeries to cover these areas."

Medical bills could hit $15,000.

Carolina Adopt-A-Bulls Rescue has launched a t-shirt fundraiser for Zeus. So far, they have raised $1,614.

You can check out the campaign here.