Abused dog searches for fresh start

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Ozzy an Australian Shepard/Collie mix was found barely alive, chained up for weeks and suffering from a severe head injury, but now he has a chance at a fresh start.

His rescuers say his is the worst case of animal abuse they've ever seen.

Looking at the healthy, energetic pup now, though, it's hard to imagine the pain he must have endured. He was found weak and near death just two months ago at a Bernalillo County home near Albuquerque's South Valley.

Someone fractured Ozzy's skull and snout. He had a brain bleed and his eyes were so swollen due to an infection, deputies thought they had been gouged out.

"From the severity of his injuries whatever happened he was left there without any care at all," explained Angela Stell, Director of New Mexico Dogs Deserve Better a non-profit dog rescue who also helped rescue Ozzy.

Stell believes Ozzy was left in horrendous pain for weeks. His owner Adolf Bernal, 65, is charged with two felony counts of animal cruelty after leaving him chained to a tree using a dangerous collar made of bailing wire which got stuck in his neck. When rescued Ozzy did not have access to any food or water and his eyes were so swollen due to a severe infection, Deputies thought someone gouged out his eyes.

"I call him our miracle dog," Stell said. "He made a full behavioral and physical recovery in about two weeks."

Today Ozzy can see out of both eyes, he like to run an play. He's also very friendly toward other dogs and kids. His skull fractures are healing too.

"He loves stuffed animals and toys because he never had any of that before, so we really just want to find a really great home for him where he can make up for lost time and get all the love he deserves," Stell explained.

New Mexico Dogs Deserve Better is looking for a foster or a forever home for Ozzy. They help with some of the dogs boarding necessities and even beginning training.