A Punta Gorda man was arrested after his dog was found in desperate need of medical attention and ultimately had to be euthanized.
The owner, Ronald Rhinesmith, said that he had been trying to have the dog euthanized, but didn't have the money to do so, according to reports.
As soon as the front door was opened, the officer said the smell of infection was overwhelming. The dog's face was misshapen and deformed. The dog had a flea infestation and a skin infection.
She had pus coming from her mouth, ear and eyes. The dog was very weak and could not walk without falling over. She was immediately transported to a vet's office.
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The vet described Cricket's pain level at 3-4 -- with 4 being extreme. The dog was diagnosed with aggressive appearing oral neoplasia -- large proliferating masses with teeth inside the masses.
According to the vet, Cricket had been suffering from cancer for a long period of time. The dog was euthanized after it was decided it was the most humane thing to do.