GOLDEN, Colo. (KDVR) – The owner of a dog was charged with aggravated cruelty after allegedly stabbing it in the chest.
Elizabeth Yalongo, 44, was accused of stabbing her own dog at a home in the 2500 block of S Everett St. According to the Lakewood Police Department, Yalongo called police and seemed to be experiencing significant mental health issues.
Back on Dec. 22, Esme, the four-year-old dog, was taken to an emergency clinic in Lakewood where personnel from Foothills Animal Shelter provided assistance.
According to a representative with the shelter, Esme required emergency care that cost roughly $3,000.
“Trauma to the chest is always a big concern due to the location of the injury and the proximity to the animal’s heart,” Foothills Animal Shelter veterinarian Dr. Palchak said. “Esme was sent to an emergency clinic to ensure she did not sustain internal injuries that would require surgery. She returned to the Shelter the following day, where we are monitoring her recovery.”
Now, Esme is in stable condition and is continuing her treatment after being transferred to the shelter in Golden.
“She is affectionate, she is bouncy and playful and so resilient after everything she has been through,” Joan Thielen with Foothills Animal Shelter said.
Esme will be up for adoption in the coming weeks.
The shelter is now asking for the public to step up and help cover the costs of little Esme’s treatment, which you can contribute to by simply visiting the organization’s homepage.