A dog named Schatzi is recovering well after suffering a severe injury when she was dragged by a trash truck. Her skin and fur were scraped down to the muscle, but thanks to the care of a local animal charity and veterinarian, she is showing encouraging signs of healing.
According to Tiffany Norton, director of Coastal German Shepherd Rescue, Schatzi’s wounds are responding well to treatment. Healthy tissue is rapidly developing, and a special healing method called “sugar packing” is being used. This technique, applied by Dr. Matthew Wheaton, involves coating the exposed tissue with granulated sugar to reduce infection, boost blood flow, and accelerate healing.
Dr. Wheaton, who successfully treated a similar case in 2008, said Schatzi’s prognosis is excellent, though she will need to remain in the hospital for at least a month. She is continuing with bandage therapy, pain management, and antibiotics. Once the wound stops shrinking, surgery will be performed to address any unhealed areas.
Schatzi was rescued after a shelter volunteer in Riverside reported her condition. Animal control officers had picked her up after the trash truck incident. She suffered what Dr. Wheaton described as a “massive degloving injury,” with most of the skin on her left side torn away.
The rescue group has raised $3,000 so far for her treatment and is seeking additional support to cover medical expenses and eventually find her a foster or permanent home. Once fully healed, they hope Schatzi will have the chance to start a new life—just as Gideon, a similarly injured dog, did years ago.