Beagle Burn Victim Shares Story to Prevent Abuse

April 21, 2008

SEACAUCUS, N.J. -- A beagle puppy was found burned and abandoned late last year. But after animal lovers nursed him back to health, he is now a walking public service announcement for ending animal abuse.

Named Champ, the now eight-month old defied the odds to recover -- with a positive disposition -- which lets him champion the cause of helping pets and ending abuse.

Recently, he visited Kawameeh Middle School in Union, N.J., where students, and teachers alike, learned about Champ’s story.

“I couldn't believe how that can happen to an animal -- to be so badly burned -- and yet give humans, the ones that burnt you, trust,” said Diane Dziedzic, a middle school teacher, who hoped her students would learn from Champ the ability to still trust.

On October 15, 2007, Champ was found wondering the streets of Paterson, N.J., until the two-month old was spotted and Animal Control was alerted.

“This lovely person from Clifton, named Jennifer, was driving down Getty Avenue,” said Animal Control Officer John Decando. “She saw a dog in the middle of the road. She grabbed the dog, she couldn't believe what she saw.”

What she saw was a burn victim.

"It is like boiling a potato and the skin comes right off the dog -- that is how bad it was,” said Decando of Champ’s condition. “Some kind of chemical acid was over 95 percent of his body. He was only a puppy. He was crying for help."

The community was shocked and came to Champ's aid.

"Everybody jumped in, everybody,” said Decando. “You're talking 10,000 e-mails, over 1,000 phone calls."

"There were a lot of people who wanted him but we were afraid that if he did go with somebody else, he might regress and he might get worse again," said Michael Martin, a shelter worker who adopted Champ.

“The second week we had him, he would cry all the time because of the burns and everything,” said Martin, who ended up sleeping next to the pup to comfort him. “Even with putting the ointment on, he couldn't find a comfortable place to sleep. So I put my pillow on the floor … and went down by him. He started getting closer to me and started feeling better and we bonded.”

Champ still has some scars --which remind folks what he went through. But by telling his story -- Martin and Champ take this horrible situation and try to make it positive.

"There are a lot of animals being abused out there and people get away with it and now we are trying to make it more aware of what's going on," said Martin.

"We ask the kids, 'stop animal cruelty,' " said Decando.

The kids at school say they've learned to help animals in need.

"Dogs are like humans and if you wouldn't like someone burned, or hurt, neither would they," said Adrianna Ferriera, a seventh grader.

Classmate Elizabeth Delpino learned what to do if she sees a dog, or other animal, being abused.

“Call 911 and they can call Animal Control, so he can get help right away,” said Delpino.

"I love the kids here. The dog is licking all the kids faces,” said Decando. “Just to see the look on those kids' face is worth a million dollars to me."

It is certain that Champ is a real champion and days like his visit to Kawameeh Middle School, he may be helping hundreds of his fellow furry friends.

"Look at the difference between six months ago and today,” said Decando. “It is unbelievable."

They still do not know if this was a fire-type burn or acid burn. Champ’s recovery has left his skin scarred and vulnerable to the elements. In the winter, he needs to wear a sweater, while during the summer he needs to be covered in sunscreen.

There is a $16,000 reward being offered for the arrest and conviction of those responsible for burning Champ. But authorities say -- so far -- they have NO leads.

If anyone has any information, contact Paterson Animal Control at 973-881-3640.

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