Miami County shelter wants home for Bernie

Puppy believed to have been abused is on the mend, director says

The Miami County Animal Shelter is accepting applications to adopt a Rottweiler-German shepherd mix that workers at the facility believe was the victim of abuse.

Bernie, the name given to the pup now believed to be 9 to 10 weeks old, is recovering from surgery deemed necessary after he was found earlier this month wandering the streets of Piqua on a broken right hind leg.

Animal shelter Director Marcia Doncaster told News Center 7's Steve Baker that officials there believe the injury was inflicted through a kick, but there was no other proof Bernie had been abused.

There was some fear the pup would lose his leg to amputation, but that has not been the case. Officials are estimating that he’ll reach about 90 pounds when he reaches adulthood.

Doncaster said Bernie won’t be ready for adoption until his leg is completely healed, probably sometime in May.

For fees and procedures on adoption, contact the shelter at (937) 332-6919 or visit co.miami. oh.us/shelter.