Dog lovers and animal advocates have been following the story of Caitlyn the pitty for a month now. If you aren’t familiar with her, she is the 15-month-old Staffordshire mix that was found in North Charleston, South Carolina with her mouth tightly taped shut on a person’s doorstep. She was a well-known stray in the Chicora Cherokee neighborhood and was considered very friendly by the neighbors.
She was last seen on Memorial Day. On Wednesday, she showed up on a Good Samaritan’s doorstep with electrical tape around her nose – her tongue trapped between her teeth, stopping blood flow.
It’s a story that hard to write about, hard to read, and even harder to understand.
“There is no reason for cruelty against animals or humans, especially of this intentional and heinous manner,” said Joe Elmore CEO Charleston Animal Society. “Someone had to take the time to find or buy electrical tape, then take more time in finding this innocent, adorable dog to bound its snout with its tongue between its teeth. These are the same type of criminals who murder and rape women, children and other defenseless living creatures. We will pull out all the stops to save Caitlyn’s life and to find the culprit(s) who did this to her!”
After her story went viral, the world has rallied around Caitlyn. From Day one, she has had a large following on her Facebook page (which will be closing at midnight July 1). To continue receiving updates, go to at www.Facebook.com/CharlestonAnimalSociety and also subscribe to updates at https://support.charlestonanimalsociety.org/email-subscription
What’s incredible is the difference a month can make in the life of a severally abused animal. These pictures show you the progression of Caitlyn – From Day 1 to now, a month later.
Caitlyn’s Recovery In Pictures
May 27 – It’s just a horrific site. I can’t imagine how the person who opened their door to find this felt. Truly disturbing.
IMAGE SOURCE: CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY
May 27 –She already looks better with the tape removed, poor girl.
IMAGE SOURCE: CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY
May 30 – The vets perform laser therapy to Caitlyn’s tongue, hoping to get back to good tissue and save as much of her tongue as possible.
IMAGE SOURCE: CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY
May 31 – Caitlyn resting and off fluids – she is eating on her own!
IMAGE SOURCE: CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY
June 1 – She already looks like a different dog! The care she is receiving is exceptional and it’s obvious she is a fighter.
IMAGE SOURCE: CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY
June 14 – After surgeries to fix her face, Caitlyn continues to rally and get better. The Kindness in her eyes is heartbreaking – she still trusts us after what someone did to her.
IMAGE SOURCE: CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY
June 19 – Caitlyn is doing very well and has recovered enough to be in photo shoot for the 2016 Charleston Firefighter Calendar. All proceeds from calendar sales benefit Toby’s Fund for injured and abused animals like Caitlyn.
IMAGE SOURCE: CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY
June 20 – Caitlyn’s face continues to heal while she gets to go out and about – this was taken at a Starbuck’s.
IMAGE SOURCE: CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY
June 25 – Caitlyn is full of character and loves to play. Aside from her scar that is still healing, you would never guess her horrifying experience.
IMAGE SOURCE: CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY
Look at this kindhearted soul!
IMAGE SOURCE: CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY
Now, July 1, Caitlyn is embarking on her next chapter. She left the rescue yesterday for her foster home and will stay with them until her court date. According to a rep, she will be returning mid-July for a final photo shoot with the firefighters and when the family goes on vacation.
Here she is with her foster brother, Oreo. I can’t get over what a LOVE she is!
IMAGE SOURCE: CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY
The society has received interest from people around the globe, including Australia, Canada, Brazil, the UK, Taiwan, Japan, and more to adopt her. They have also received many posts from battered women who particularly found hope in her recovery and comeback.
Caitlyn is an inspiration to everyone and we hope she finds her happily ever after home soon!
