It is not uncommon for police to run into squalid conditions and find abused animals living in horrific conditions. What is uncommon is when the officer takes it upon himself to begin the dog’s healing process.
Officer Brian Steinruck was investigating the case of a dog abandoned at the residence of Stephanie J. Goodbody-Lopez, age 39, of 4087 North Main Street in Marion.
There were signs at the scene that the family was moving, but neighbors stated that the dog was left in the state of squalor for days at a time, with very infrequent visits from the owner.
According to officer Steinruck there was debris everywhere. Neighbors, along with Brian, saw and talked to the dog through a window. “There were fleas crawling all over it and there was a lot of fur missing,” recalled Brian.
Following an investigation, it was discovered that Goodbody had left her two-year-old pitbull in the residence and investigation further revealed that the pitbull, “Molly “…besides the flea infestation, had bald spots and sores covering the majority of her body.”
Officer Steinruck decided it was time for Molly to begin anew with a bit of love. Brian called his wife, Jessica, telling her to bring flea shampoo and dog food to the scene. Together, the Steinrucks, using an outdoor hose, began the healing process. The couple bathed the dog, removing the flea infestation.
Molly was then transported to the Lyons Vet clinic where she was evaluated and treated for skin and ear infections. Molly was held overnight and is on the road to recovery. She was turned over to the Wayne County Humane Society for shelter.
“She (Molly) has a great personality and is a beautiful dog with a great temperament,” said Brian. Although Jessica favors cats, she asked her husband if they could adopt her.
Goodbody-Lopez was arrested on Friday (7/29) for Animal Abuse and released on an appearance ticket for Marion Town Court.
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