Warren police investigate after missing senior dog is found with burns

Police in Warren are investigating after a couple reported that their senior dog was taken from their front yard and turned up at a veterinary clinic several days later with burns. Ellie, a five-pound dog belonging to Rebecca and Mike Jones, is receiving treatment at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services.

Rebecca Jones said Ellie disappeared Monday evening while Mike was taking out the trash and moving his work vehicle closer to their home during Monday night football. Rebecca and the dogs had gone into the garage while he was outside. She believes Ellie got out at some point during that time.

A neighbor subsequently called with an account of what had happened to Ellie. According to Rebecca, the neighbor reported seeing a woman leave a car, walk onto the couple’s property and take the dog. The Joneses did not see Ellie again until Saturday, when a call from a veterinary office alerted them that she had been brought in.

An UrgentVet worker told Local 4 that a woman had arrived at the clinic and handed Ellie to staff. The woman reportedly said she found the dog after the animal had been hit, brought her home to wash her and then took her to the clinic. The worker described Ellie’s injuries as burns. Staff scanned her for a microchip and contacted the Joneses.

The couple said they were devastated by Ellie’s condition when they learned she had been found. They described the 16-year-old dog as feisty despite her small size. Rebecca said Ellie had provided comfort during many difficult periods in her life, making the discovery of her injuries particularly painful.

Ellie was subsequently transferred to Oakland Veterinary Referral Services for continued care. Recent photographs show bandages covering her injuries and a tube extending from her nose. Her owners say she is growing stronger, though they are still seeking information about who caused the injuries.

Mike urged whoever was responsible to come forward, saying that even if the injuries were accidental, turning themselves in would be the right action. The Warren Police Department said its investigation remains open. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective Palmer at 586-574-4841.

The family is raising money to pay Ellie’s veterinary expenses. A worker at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services said donations can also be made through the provider’s website by opening the contact us section, selecting online payments and entering Ellie’s information.