Dog Found Frozen To Ground In Lansing Finds Forever Home At Sanctuary

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - A dog that authorities say was found frozen to the ground in Lansing in 2011 with its legs bound with heavy-duty electrical tape is getting a new home.

The pit bull mix named Tatiana spent some of this week surrounded by Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS) staff and volunteers who helped her recover from injuries. Her new home will be at McKenzie's Animal Sanctuary in Lake Odessa, about 30 miles west of Lansing.

CAHS President and CEO Julia Palmer told the Lansing State Journal that although Tatiana's physical wounds have healed over time, she has an intense fear of men and strangers and will never be suited for a family. She's been on a waiting list for the sanctuary for about six months.

"She's too fearful to go to a traditional home," said Palmer.

Tatiana will begin her time at the sanctuary in isolation until she gradually can be transitioned to be around the rest of the dogs.

Tatiana was found brutally beaten and hog-tied with her mouth taped shut in January 2011. The 50 pound, 2-year-old dog also had severe head injuries -- which officials said were the result of blunt-force beatings -- and was frozen to the ground.

Ray Emmanuel Potter, of Dimondale, was charged after the dog was found and pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor animal abuse charge. He was sentenced to 93 days in jail and released after serving 44, with the rest suspended upon completion of probation and payment of about $10,000 in fines and restitution to the CAHS.

For those who helped care for Tatiana, her move to the sanctuary is bittersweet. The dog often would stay in Palmer's office and attracted many supporters. Some of them stopped by the CAHS this week to say goodbye and sign an over-sized card for the animal.

"It's like giving away your own dog," Palmer said. "We all fell in love with her and we are all so compelled by her story and her strength."

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