Officer Alexandra Maloney with West Bridgewater Police Department pulled over a vehicle on November 24 after it ran a red light. She was heartbroken by what she found in the backseat of the car.

While talking to the driver, she noticed a severely emaciated puppy. Apparently, the nine-month-old puppy named Sprout was never fed because the owner said he didn't have the money or time. You could see every bone in her little body, and she could barely walk.

She was rushed to Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital for emergency care. Veterinarians said she was so malnourished that she had less than 48 hours to live without care.

Sprout who arrived anemic and starving began treatment at the animal hospital and is now under the care of Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts. She received a blood transfusion and is slowly being reintroduced to food. Even though she has been let down by humans, she remains a sweet and affectionate pup. 

The shelter is asking for help with her care as she has a long road to recovery. They shared her current state, which is hard to see. They wrote, "Her photos are difficult to look at but they show the reality of the suffering she’s endured." 

After taking a turn for the worse, Sprout returned to the animal hospital where she was put on IV medication and fluids. She is a fighter and according to the shelter, "She is doing excellent today! Her red blood cell count has been sitting at 28 which is encouraging. This is since her blood transfusion a couple days ago. She is eating well and they are going to increase her calorie intake, which she will be happy about!"

Updates on Sprout are being shared on the shelter's Facebook page with her supporters. They happily shared that she has returned to the shelter and is slowly improving. Her case is one of the worst they have ever seen, and they are seeking justice for Sprout.

They also reminded the community that they are there to help people who are struggling to feed their pets. They just need to ask for help. 

The traffic stop saved her life. West Bridgewater Police Department shared they are charging the owner of the puppy with animal cruelty.