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Abused Puppy Meets New Owner

Pup Lived With Dog Allegedly Drilled In Head

POSTED: 7:42 pm EST January 18, 2008

A 4-month-old puppy who authorities said was malnourished and neglected is getting a second chance at life.

Plainville Animal Control officials told Eyewitness News on Wednesday that a woman from Portland who has many pets of her own -- including a pit bull and four cats -- adopted the puppy.

Video: Abused Pup Greets Portland Woman With Kisses

On Friday, the pup met his new owner, Debbie Sheehan.

"Kiss, kiss, kiss; lick, lick, lick -- no aggression, just little puppy love," Sheehan said while the pup licked her face. "We do have a pit bull, Lucy, I have a cocker spaniel, Nicky, and four cats."

The pound in Plainville was flooded with requests to adopt the dog. After very careful consideration, a thorough interview and background checks, officials chose Sheehan.

The pup spent the past week in the pound after Plainville Animal Control Officer Ann Aliano discovered him with another pit bull who had been drilled in the head with a power drill.

"When I first brought him in on Sunday night, he was terrified," Aliano said.

The puppy was found in the home of Saverino Cruz, 32, on Monday. Police arrested Cruz on accusations that he drilled holes in the pit bull's head after it bit his 8-year-old son in the arm.

"This was inhumane. It was an attack on an animal," Sheehan said.

Man Accused Of Drilling Dog's Head (WARNING: Explicit Pictures)

The injured dog had to be put down, and authorities put the puppy up for adoption.

"I called immediately to adopt it. Definitely have a good home, he really will," Sheehan said.

The pup headed home in style: A local pet salon pampered him while he was in the pound.

The Sheehans plan to stay home all weekend to help acclimate their new dog to his new home. Animal officials said the pup was getting more social at the pound as the week progressed.


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