Meet Krisshy.
On the evening of April 22, 2023, GBHS Animal Control responded to an emergency call for assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. A deputy had responded to a domestic violence call and when he arrived he found not only a human who was allegedly assaulted, but a small dog barely clinging to life.
When our ACO arrived, she was handed a small female dog. The dog had been so starved she appeared to be a small puppy – she was actually an adult.
The small dog had extensive burns, was emaciated, and had severe damage to her left eye. There was also evidence of bruising from being beaten and/or kicked, and other long-term abuse. The attacker was allegedly threatening to burn the house down, but the vets do not know if the burns on the dog are from chemicals or fire.
This has been one of the worst cases Steel City Emergency Trauma Vets have ever seen of starvation, abuse, and torture. Nonetheless, everyone knew that if she could survive this brutal attack, we would give her every chance to recover.
We named her after the strongest women we could think of, Capt. Kristen Griest and Capt. Shaye Haver - - the first two women to graduate from Army Ranger School. We are calling her Kristen-Shaye or “Krisshy” for short.
Krisshy’s recovery will include long and extensive hyperbaric treatments for the burns, many painful medicated baths, long-term antibiotic treatments, and possible removal of her eye. Krisshy has undergone several rounds of treatment and is currently responding well.
Krisshy is a fighter. She is on IV pain management and is being treated and cared for 24/7 by the Steel City team. Krisshy appears to be a small, schnoodle or schnauzer.
It is important that we raise visibility and awareness of how this kind of treatment of an animal and domestic violence go hand in hand.
It is sad to read in the Deputy’s report that witnesses saw this man kicking and beating the dog back and forth across the yard many times before help was called. Krisshy was kept in a small wire crate with barely room to stand, no food, no water, no shade, and yet none of this was reported until the alleged perpetrator assaulted a person.
One witness said, “she (the dog) only needed to close her eyes and die.” to stop the suffering….but she didn’t.
Krisshy is currently recovering with medical fosters from her care team at Steel City Emergency Vets. She still has a long road ahead but is finally getting the love and care that she deserves.
You can make a donation toward Krissy’s care and others like her at gbhs.org/donate!
Krisshy the day after being saved from her abusive situation. Her wounds made it painful to stand or to lay down.
Krisshy getting one of her many medical baths to treat her numerous wounds.
Krisshy with her medical foster, Dr. Jones, DVM.
Krisshy receiving one of her HBOT treatments.
What are Hyperbaric Treatments?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) delivers 100% oxygen under pressure. During HBOT treatments, the patient is placed safely and comfortably in a large chamber with 100% oxygen at 1.5 to 3 times that of normal atmospheric pressure. Most patients appear calm and relaxed during hyperbaric oxygen therapy (many even fall asleep!)
More healing oxygen is delivered to tissues during this time for quicker cell repair and healing. Typically treatments are given once to twice a day (with at least 4 hours between treatments). The total number of treatments necessary varies according to the type of treatment and the patient’s response.
Thanks to the HBOT treatments, Krisshy has been able to heal much faster and with less pain. These treatments can become very costly but can be the difference between life and death.