Font ResizeLAS CRUCES - Some good Samaritans have offered help in the case of an elderly Berino woman, whose toes may have been eaten by dogs or rodents early this week while she slept.
Meanwhile, the 85-year-old, bed-ridden woman - a previously reported age was incorrect - is still hospitalized, a county sheriff's department spokesman said Thursday.
Though seven small dogs were quarantined, authorities said Thursday that step was a precaution. They're still looking into the exact cause of the injuries to the woman's feet.
"At this time we are waiting for confirmation as to the diagnosis, extent of the injuries, as well as the cause," said Lt. Michael Kinney of the Do-a Ana County Sheriff's Department. "While awaiting this information, we do not know and cannot confirm whether or not these injuries are the result of animal predation, medical condition or some form of criminal activity."
A caretaker for the woman couldn't be reached for comment.
Willing donor
After reading about the incident, Las Crucen Norman Fleeman, 59, volunteered to donate $1,000 to pay for kennel cough shots for the seven small dogs and possibly establish a fund that could help pay for such vaccinations in the future. His own family dog contracted kennel cough after being quarantined this year at the city-county animal shelter because of a bite incident, and he said he's hoping these animals will avoid the same problem.
Meanwhile, a second man contacted the newspaper wanting to make an
Despite Fleeman's offer, the shelter isn't actually allowed to administer vaccinations to animals under quarantine, said Beth Vesco-Mock, director of the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley. The facility must wait until the 10-day window expires, next Thursday, Vesco-Mock said.
"You can't put anything into their bodies because, if they had a reaction to it, you wouldn't know whether it was that or rabies," she said. "You cannot give them anything until the quarantine period is over."
Vesco-Mock said, as a regular practice, all animals are vaccinated against kennel cough upon intake at the shelter.
City Councilor Miguel Silva, chairman of the board that oversees the shelter, said part of the shelter's long-term plan involves setting up a fundraising system, but one that wouldn't impact other animal welfare nonprofit groups. That's in the initial stages, he said.
"In terms of receiving donations, I think we'd be more than welcome to receive any type of assistance in that manner," he said of Fleeman's offer.
Fleeman said he'd hope his donation would be used to leverage other grants or donations for kennel cough vaccinations. Even if matching funds aren't found, "I'll look for some other way to donate it," he said, such as if the family needs help with the impound fees.
OK so far
The dogs - two pugs, four chihuahuas and a heeler puppy - have shown no signs of rabies and don't seem to have temperament problems, Vesco-Mock said.
A person at the woman's home told ABC News that the dogs weren't to blame for the injury.
Kinney said the woman's case is under investigation. He said there's no indication of animal abuse, neglect or hoarding.
The dogs, though quarantined at the shelter, still belong to their owner. Vesco-Mock said she's been told the person might take some of them back, once the observation time is up and no signs of rabies have been noticed.
If any dogs are relinquished, Vesco-Mock said they'll likely be put up for adoption.
Kinney said anyone wanting to make a donation to help the victim should contact Do-a Ana County sheriff's victims advocates, at 525-1911.
Diana M. Alba can be reached at (575) 541-5443.
On the Web
•Do-a Ana County: www.donaanacounty.org
