Sprout
Sprout, a severely neglected pug mix, is getting a new chance at life after she was discovered by a West Bridgewater police officer conducting a routine traffic stop.
This was Sprout on the day she arrive at the Animal Protection Center in Brockton. She was so weak she could hardly lift her head or move her body freely.
Sprout’s Story
Sprout, a young dog, arrived at the APCSM severely emaciated and in desperate need of medical attention. Despite what she’s been through, she is incredibly sweet and just wants affection and closeness.
Her photos are difficult to look at but they show the reality of the suffering she’s endured.
While we can’t share all the details of her situation, we can tell you that Sprout is now safe with us, and the appropriate authorities are handling the situation. Our focus is on giving her the care, comfort, and protection she needs.
Sprout’s recovery won’t be quick or easy. To stabilize her and help her begin healing, she will need:
Emergency veterinary care
Diagnostic testing and bloodwork
Medications and supplements
A carefully monitored nutritional plan
Continued follow-up visits
Thank you so much to everyone who helps us fight for animals like her. She has a long road ahead, but she isn’t walking it alone anymore. ♥︎
How to Help
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Donations made to our Life is Precious fund help animals like Sprout who come into our care needing emergency treatment. Donate here.
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Raising awareness is important for several reasons:
When people know what animals in their community are going through, they’re more likely to take action. Whether by donating money, supplies, or time, or by fostering or adopting, awareness turns passive bystanders into active helpers.
Public knowledge of neglect cases sends a message that the community is watching and that mistreatment will not go unnoticed. It also educates people on what neglect looks like and how to report it, which can lead to earlier intervention for other animals in danger.
Awareness puts pressure on local authorities and communities to improve standards and protections.
These cases remind people that animals are vulnerable beings who depend on us for care. Stories of resilience often lead to faster adoptions.
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Sprout’s story has touched so many hearts, and thanks to your incredible generosity, we have raised more than enough to fully support her care. She is safe, loved, and has everything she needs in her foster home, from medical support to cozy sweaters and toys.
Because of your kindness, any additional funds raised in Sprout’s name will be used to help future animals in need. But we also want to make sure our other shelter animals don’t get overlooked. While Sprout is well cared for, many of our dogs, cats, and small animals still rely on the community for everyday essentials.
If you’d like to make the biggest impact right now, please consider donating items or funds to help the many other animals currently in our care. Our wish list can be viewed on our Donate Page.
Some much-needed items include:
Clay Cat Litter (Non-Clumping)
Dry Cat Food
Canned Cat Food
Canned Dog Food
Indestructible Dog Toys
Dog Bones (No rawhide)
Dog and Cat Treats
Oxbow Guinea Pig Pellets
Romaine Lettuce, Parsley, Carrots Timothy Hay
Cat Toys
Catnip
Large Contractor Trash Bags
Postage Stamps
Gift Cards (Amazon, Home Depot, Staples, Grocery Stores)
Regular Unscented Bleach
Laundry Detergent
Mutt Mitts (Poop Bags)
New Dog Blankets
New Dog Beds
Dawn Dish Soap
Dryer Sheets
Capstar
View our Amazon Wish List
View our Chewy Wish List
Thank you!
Updates
November 26, 2025
Today Sprout had an exam with Dr Dinan. Her bloodwork showed a hematocrit of 15% — dangerously low. That means her body is functioning with barely one third of the red blood cells needed to carry oxygen to her organs. It’s a level that no animal should ever have to reach and it speaks volumes about the neglect she endured before she found safety with us.
Thanks to your generosity, Sprout is receiving the medical care she desperately needs. She’s on a carefully monitored, slow refeeding program; after severe starvation, feeding too quickly can send the body into shock. She’s also receiving supportive medications to help stabilize her system while she builds her strength back up. Our veterinarian believes she is around 1.5 years old, older than we initially thought.
There are still many unknowns and her recovery will take time. But tonight, she will sleep warm and safe in her foster home.
Thank you for giving her that chance.
November 29, 2025
Sprout is currently receiving care at Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment & Specialties. Unfortunately her condition worsened, and she became too weak to hold up her head. She will be hospitalized for several nights and will require a blood transfusion along with intensive supportive care.
December 1, 2025
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! Bloodwork is being rechecked, and the goal is to gradually discontinue her IV fluids and IV medications to see if she can maintain stability overnight.
If everything continues to go well, she may be able to come home tomorrow. We’ll receive further updates from the veterinary team, but overall she is moving in the right direction.
We can’t thank you all enough for your continued concern and support.
December 11, 2025
Sprout is settling in beautifully with her foster family, and we’re happy to share that she is now up to 9 lbs! When she first arrived, she weighed only 6 lbs, so this progress is an encouraging sign of her recovery.
We also recently learned that Officer Alexandra Maloney of the West Bridgewater Police Department was the one who pulled over Sprout’s former owner and noticed her condition in the back seat. Her quick action saved Sprout’s life, and we’re deeply grateful for her vigilance and compassion.
Authorities have since released the name of the individual who is being charged with animal cruelty. Read more here.
Thank you to our community for your continued support, concern, and compassion for Sprout. We couldn’t do this work without you.
December 30, 2025
Message from Sprout’s Foster mom:
“Today is a bittersweet day, my last full day as Sprout’s foster mom.
Tomorrow, this sweet, resilient girl begins her forever life with her foster dad’s parents. She’ll be loved, safe, and so close that she’ll still see her foster fur siblings every weekday. And while that brings comfort, it doesn’t make saying goodbye any easier.
Sprout came to me and Vinnie after enduring unimaginable neglect. She was starved fighting quietly for her life when the world failed her. Watching her struggle through the lows, celebrating every small victory, and witnessing her strength firsthand has been amazing . Loving her has been both heartbreaking and deeply healing.
She brought so much love into my life. Every tail wag, every soft look, every moment she chose to trust again felt like a miracle. knowing she is healthy, strong, and finally getting the life she always deserved is the best feeling .
Although Sprout is out of the woods and one of the lucky ones, this is not the end of her story. We will seek justice for what she endured and for the countless animals who never get this chance, whose voices were never heard.
Thank you, Sprout, for trusting me, for surviving, and for loving so deeply after so much pain.
I love you, sweet girl”
— Katie
January 13, 2026
Message from Sprout’s forever family:
“For us, it was truly love at first sight. We were fortunate to spend time with Sprout before adopting her, so when she was ready to come home, she was already comfortable in the space, and the transition was seamless.
Sprout is the sweetest snuggle bug, but fierce with her foster brother (a poodle puppy named Max). They spend time playing in our yard during the week, and she really gives him a run for his money!
This little girl has been through so much - but has been so resilient throughout her recovery. She loves playing with toys and is equally happy just sitting and snuggling. Her sweet personality is shining through, and she is enjoying just being a dog. We love her to the moon and back and she makes life fun!”
