Hello supporters, I recently received an email from the Martinsville Henry County SPCA in Martinsville, VA. They are aware of this petition and of the ongoing effort to get a law passed in 2018. As such, they wanted to share the story of "St. Nick," a dog that nearly died from being left outside in freezing temperatures. This case is being used to illustrate the immense need for this legislation. St. Nick's Story: Sadly, it's not unusual for the SPCA to see ​severe cases of animal neglect ​every year. There are countless creatures left to horrible fates by a seemingly careless world out there. Despite our experiences,​ there are often cases that exemplify such extreme apathy toward the life of another that it shocks even the most veteran animal advocates. Sweet St. Nick was discovered by animal control on December 20, 2016 after a good Samaritan called in concern about a dog dying in someone's back yard. This, of course, was immediately acted upon and A​nimal Control was quick to arrive on the scene. When the officer arrived, he initially believed​ he was already too late to save this poor dog. There was no movement in the dog's chest and his body was ​rigid. Evidence pictures were taken in order to push forward with a felony animal cruelty charge. As these pictures were being taken, however, the dog's foot moved and the Animal Control officer realized that this poor pup was still alive...and where there is life, there is hope. When St. Nick first made it to vet care he was so emaciated that this medium-sized cattle dog only weighed 12.5 pounds. In addition to his weight, he was hypothermic and in shock. St. Nick's body temperature was so low that it wouldn't even register on a thermometer. His blood sugar was registering at a shocking 33 when 100 or more is what a veterinarian expects of a healthy dog his size. The veterinary technicians quickly wrapped him in blankets and started trying to warm him up. It had been 21 degrees the night before and was only 40 degrees when animal control had found him. It was no wonder that he was in such a state. He had no body fat to keep him warm and no shelter to shield him from the cold. After some intensive care, St. Nick finally was able to take up residence at the SPCA on January 16, 2017. In addition to his emergency care,​ poor St. Nick also suffered from heartworms. Overall,​ his treatments and care has come to a grand total of $3,800! All of this would have been completely unnecessary if he had just been cared for properly in the first place. If the owner could not afford food or time to care for him there are several places, the SPCA included, that would have been more than willing to take him in to make sure he got the love and care he needed to avoid this result. Thanks to the tireless work of the veterinarians, Animal Control, and the staff at the SPCA,​ St. Nick has made a full recovery now weighing in at 31.5 lbs. He is finally able to be the loving and energetic dog he was meant to be. All he needs now is to find a good home with a family that will love him and care for him as he deserves. If you are interested in adopting St. Nick, you can contact: SPCA of Martinsville and Henry County 132 Joseph Martin Highway Martinsville, VA 24112 Phone: 276-638-PAWS (7297) Fax: 276-638-0490 shelter@spcamhc.org Details here: http://ws.petango.com/webservices/adoptablesearch/wsAdoptableAnimalDetails.aspx?id=34450762&css=