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Dog Loses Leg After Being Tied To Fence In Freezing Weather, Police Searching For Suspects

ROSEVILLE (WWJ) - Police in Roseville are on the hunt for two suspects who were caught on video leaving a dog out in the freezing cold - tied to a fence behind a local retail store.

Residents nearby heard the animal Monday and called police but not before the dog had experienced considerable trauma reports WWJ's Jon Hewett.

The dog, a tan and white mixed breed, was found tied to a fence behind a Walmart store at 12 Mile and Gratiot in Roseville.

Police believe the suspects were driving a minivan - possibly a Chrysler make.

"This dog had lost one of its hind paws, a cable wrapped around the leg that was so tight that it was embedded in the skin. Apparently, the dog had gnawed its own foot off in an attempt to escape from this cable that was holding it," said Roseville Police Chief James Berlin.

The dog did need to have its leg amputated but is expected to recover.

The chief said the dog was unbelievably affectionate toward officers who came to her rescue.

Within 24 hours of being rescued the dog has been given the name 'Courtney' and is recovering from surgery.

Melanie Wittner with the Roseville animal rescue league A Hopeful Heart says Courtney likes riding in cars and "she's happy."

Wittner was on the way to Petco with Courtney for a beauty day grooming treatment Thursday evening.

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Kelly at PetSmart gets kiss from Courtney. (Credit/Melanie Wittner)

"She's getting a dry bath, so not to aggravate the area where she underwent surgery, " said Wittner. "They'll brush out the dirt, clean her ears and nails ... she smelled kind of bad after the rescue."

Wittner says she witnessed the kindness of officer's transporting Courtney: "They were affectionate toward her, she must have known she was loved ... giving them kisses."

The organization 4 Paws 1 Heart paid for Courtney's operation.

Once Courtney has recovered she should be available for adoption.

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