PORT JERVIS, NY — A white pit bull terrier had been abandoned and left to die in Orange County, but was picked up by a passerby on February 24, and taken to the Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark. Shelter staff named the dog Sweet Sally, because she behaved so good-naturedly to her caregivers despite her grave physical condition.

When Sweet Sally arrived she could not stand up on her own and her body temperature was extremely low. She was given unlimited emergency treatment, but she had probably not eaten for several weeks and her body was dehydrated.

The staff decided to give her all the medical attention she needed, despite the cost, and they said she was a good patient, but in the end she was too damaged to be saved.

A press release from the society issued on January 29 said, “It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce Sweet Sally passed away while at the emergency veterinary hospital on Sunday, February 28. Her kidneys were damaged beyond repair when she arrived at the Humane Society. The veterinarians said there was nothing more that could have been done for her. A necropsy will be done to provide as much information as possible as to the cause of her condition.

“The Humane Society is grateful for the outpouring of encouragement and donations for Sweet Sally from our immediate community and well beyond. If money remains after all of her medical expenses are paid, we will ensure it is used to help other animals in need at our shelter.

“As with any animal that has been neglected and abused, we intend to seek justice for Sally to the fullest extent of the law. Law enforcement officials still need the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for her suffering and ultimately her death. If you have any information, please contact the Town of Deerpark Police at 845/856-4333. Let’s find this person or persons so they can’t hurt another living creature the way they hurt Sweet Sally.”

There is a reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for Sweet Sally’s death.