Leo was rescued from a manhole on Detroit's west side. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
DETROIT (WJBK) -
"He has demodex mange, which is treatable, so we're treating that, and pretty soon he'll look like a normal dog, full fur," said Chris Ouwerkerk from the Michigan Humane Society.
Leo is tired and incredibly weak, but you wouldn't know it. He wouldn't sit still and his tail never stopped moving, happy to be above ground.
Leo was trapped in a twelve foot manhole on Detroit's west side and no one knows for how long.
"He was whimpering. Other than that, I looked in there, it was dark, I had to take my phone and flash a picture to see where he was at," Ouwerkerk explained.
He rushed to the 12000 block of Manor when a good Samaritan called it in, but the rescue wasn't easy.
"Got out there and couldn't even see the manhole because even when I was looking for it, you couldn't see it. There was a ladder to get down there, but it was all rusted out. So I didn't want to try and fall in with him and need rescuing myself."
Leo was severely emaciated, suffering from dehydration. All of his ribs were visible, and he hadn't eating in days and maybe weeks.
Ouwerkerk said the rescue was time sensitive. He used a control stick to pull him to safety.
"Got it around his neck and waiting for him to put his arm through, so the loop would go underneath his arm and around his shoulders, and as soon as he did that, I tightened it up and started lifting him out," he said. "Soon as I got him out, his whole butt started wagging. It wasn't just the tail."
Leo is on a special diet so he won't get sick and, for now, he won't let his rescuer out of his sight.
"I guess we may have bonded a little bit, so he's pretty cool."
It will still be a little while before Leo is able to be adopted, but if you just have to have him in your home and you want to call because you have some questions about him, you can call the Michigan Humane Society at (313) 872-3400.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:12:58 GMT
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:30:30 GMT
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:28:22 GMT
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:48:50 GMT
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction.
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction two months ago on corruption charges.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:59:53 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
Leo was rescued from a manhole on Detroit's west side. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
