UPDATE: This article has been edited to account for a Saturday morning update from Vegas Pet Rescue Project.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Reba, the English Bulldog found inside a sealed plastic tub in 110-degree heat, passed away Saturday, according to the nonprofit who was caring for her.
“She went into sudden cardiac arrest from the DIC blood clotting condition she developed as a result of the severe heat stroke and shock,” Vegas Pet Rescue Project posted on Instagram. “The only saving grace is that it was sudden and she felt no pain.”
The heartbreaking development comes after the dog was found inside a plastic tub near a dumpster in the Las Vegas heat.
“She has fought and fought and fought,” Megan Tomlinson, Volunteer Rescue Coordinator for Vegas Pet Rescue Project, said on Friday.
Reba was discovered Thursday evening near Maryland Parkway and Flamingo Road, taped up in a tote bag that was inside a plastic tub next to a dumpster.
“A couple of folks were going through the parking lot,” Tomlinson explained. “They heard the whimpering of a dog.”
Tomlinson said those people got her out and took her inside a nearby automotive parts shop. Employees rinsed her down with cool water, tried to regulate her body, and then took her to the Veterinary Emergency Group in Henderson for care.
Tomlinson said Vegas Pet Rescue Project, a nonprofit animal rescue, stepped up to help, adding that to see any dog in such a horrible state is difficult.
Emergency veterinarian and Interim Medical Director at Veterinary Emergency Group, Dr. Keith Mihansky, said when Reba got to his team on Thursday, she needed IV fluids, oxygen, plasma infusions, and minute-by-minute care just to stay alive.
“Unfortunately, when Reba came to us,” Dr. Mihansky said. “She was in a really critical state.”
He said Reba was severely dehydrated and suffering from heat stroke, which is especially dangerous for English Bulldogs, who have shorter noses and flat faces with narrow, twisted airways.
“The breeds are extremely susceptible to heat-associated injuries,” he explained. “Because of how hard they work just breathing on a normal day.”
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Reba the dog receiving treatment after she was found inside a taped up plastic tote during 110 degree weather in Las Vegas. (Vegas Pet Rescue Project) -
Reba the dog receiving treatment after she was found inside a taped up plastic tote during 110 degree weather in Las Vegas. (Vegas Pet Rescue Project)
Dr. Mihansky also spoke on the heartbreaking experience of treating an animal that has been abused to this extent.
“It’s one of the most difficult things that we deal with,” he said. “Having to see that people treat these innocent animals in such a terrible way sometimes.”
On Friday, officials told 8newsnow.com that Reba would most likely have to continue around-the-clock observation at the Veterinary Emergency Group for at least another week. As such, Vegas Pet Rescue Project was asking the community for help with donations.
The non-profit organization is also working with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to track down who is responsible for this animal cruelty.
“Please call in if you saw even anything,” Tomlinson said. “Even the smallest detail might help us find who did this.”
A spokesperson from LVMPD said the case is being investigated as the torture, abandonment, or starving of an animal. Her rescuers want justice for Reba, a dog that they say never deserved anything other than kindness.
“We just love her,” Tomlinson said on Friday. “We love her already.”
For those who are interested in helping to fund Reba’s care, a donation page is available on the Vegas Pet Rescue Project website. Anyone with information on what might have happened to Reba is asked to contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department at (702) 828-3111.
