Location: NY
Hello, so my friends dog is SEVERELY malnourished ( this chihuahua should be like 7-8 pounds and he is maybe 1 pound literal skin and bones. She has also said he has been losing weight for awhile ). She keeps this chihuahua in a tiny pen 24/7 outside of a few minute potty breaks. He was CAKED in dirt. So I bathed him at her house and got permission to take him home to take care of him. She says she can’t care for him due to work. And she just assumed he was dying of old age. He is 16 but is acting pretty normal despite everything. I don’t want her to have this dog back she keeps him caged even when she’s home. Two of her other pets had extremely obvious issues when I was there but nothing as severe as this chihuahua. She also keeps her other dogs caged 24/7 even when she’s home. This chihuahua has been EXTREMELY thirsty and hungry since coming into my care. I’ve been limiting him to small frequent meals to prevent vomiting along with a nutrient supplement. I’ve cared for animals in critical condition since I was 16 ( started out rehabbing reptiles and avians. I am now 21 ) I currently have my own dog who is in kidney failure but is still thriving after 5 months. So I am well versed in Critical animal care. How can I keep this chihuahua legally and help the other dogs and cats ? I love my friend but this situation is so sad and upsetting.