By ANN ZANIEWSKI Of The Oakland Press
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As they wait to hear back, Rosie, a wheaten terrier mix, is growing stronger and more mischievous.
"She's doing good. She's running around. ... You'll come in, and she'll be lying in the middle of her bed, surrounded by leashes and collars and bandannas" meant for other dogs that she playfully stole from a box, Michigan Animal Rescue League director Kayla Allen said.
Rosie weighed 9 pounds when volunteers with an animal agency took her from a home in Pontiac Feb. 8. Emaciated, she was extremely thin and too weak to stand.
Allen said a complaint that included pictures of Rosie and a veterinarian's report was recently given to officials at the Pontiac Police Department and Oakland County Prosecutor's Office. Information was also sent to Debby MacDonald, a cruelty investigator for the Michigan Humane Society.
Pontiac ordinances and state laws require people to provide pets with adequate food, water and shelter.
The prosecutor's office has pledged to help Pontiac officials if they decide to pursue animal cruelty charges. Pontiac police would have to investigate and bring the results to prosecutors for the office to get involved, said Ed Cibor, chief of the warrants division.
"They need to file that complaint with the police department if they want police action taken. ... We don't do the investigative reports," Cibor said. "We request that the officers prepare it. They're trained (in investigations)."
Pontiac police Sgt. William Ware said the police department has been notified of the case. He said animal control officer Donnie Benion turned the information over to the city's law department. Ware referred questions to the law department.
City Attorney Mark Hotz did not return calls seeking comment.
Rosie's owner has said the dog was a loved family pet who always had enough food and water. She declined to give her full name.
In the days after the dog's rescue was made public in media reports, more than 400 calls and 90 e-mails came into the Michigan Animal Rescue League from people who wanted to adopt her. About 30 people have submitted formal adoption applications. The deadline for turning them in is Friday. "I think somebody who is going to spoil her, and give her the run of the house, and attend to her every need" would be a good fit, Allen said. Who will take Rosie home? Allen said she'll invite applicants to meet Rosie and watch how well she interacts with them.
"She'll have a say, too," Allen said. "We'll consider her input, as well as the application."
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