Humane Society Mourns the Loss of Severely Abused Dog in Ohio
An animal shelter in Ohio has shared heartbreaking news: a young dog they had been fighting to save has died after days of intensive care.
The Animal Friends Humane Society announced on Saturday that Lou, a 2-year-old Doberman Pinscher, “fought a hard battle, but ultimately lost the fight.”
Lou was rescued from his owner on April 23 in critical condition — severely underweight, malnourished, and covered in wounds. Shelter staff explained that he had been so starved he resorted to eating rocks, which were later discovered in his stomach during X-rays.
Originally named “Lucifer” by his owner, shelter staff renamed him Lou, saying the original name was not fitting for such a gentle soul. For the next five days, they documented his progress and setbacks on social media.
On Thursday, the shelter reported that Lou’s condition had worsened, with weight loss and additional complications. By Friday, he had taken a “turn for the worse” and was transferred to an emergency veterinary clinic. Despite every effort, Lou passed away shortly after.
“This is so unfair. He deserved so much better than this,” the shelter wrote in a tribute post. “We take comfort in knowing Lou didn’t die alone, chained up in a backyard, left to fend for himself. Instead, he spent his final days surrounded by people who loved him. We will seek justice for him. Rest in peace, sweet Lou.”
The news has left staff, volunteers, and animal lovers across the community devastated, many expressing sorrow over a life cut tragically short by cruelty.