Animal Control officers in Paterson are trying to figure out who abandoned an elderly dog who was found on the street and on the brink of starvation.

The puggle/boxer mix named "Wilma" was taken to the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge and then transferred to Country Willow Veterinary Hospital, where she is still being evaluated.

Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge
Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge
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Shelter Executive Director Megan Brinster says Wilma is in critical condition with a host of maladies, including cherry eye, heart murmur, thickened back knees and arthritis. She was rescued in an advanced state of starvation, weighing just 22-pounds or half of what she should weigh.

"Wilma was covered in feces upon rescue," Brinster says, "We believe that she was being kept in a confined space."

While veterinarians continue their evaluation, Wilma has been placed on a slow refeeding schedule to help her body readjust to nutrition.

Brinster believes the dog's condition was the result of a slow and painful starvation. "It is hard to imagine what Wilma’s life has been like before yesterday, but we have hope for her future. Wilma has a long road ahead, but she is surprisingly sweet with other dogs and an all-around loving, gentle senior dog."

Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge
Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge
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Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge
Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge
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No collar was found on Wilma, and finding who abandoned her may be difficult. If found, they could face serious animal cruelty charges.

Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge
Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge
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If you recognize this dog, or have any information about how she wound up abandoned on a Paterson street, please contact police or the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge at adoptlove@rbari.org.

Eric Scott is the senior political director and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at eric.scott@townsquaremedia.com

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