Nathan Straus
Jacksonville Daily Progress
JACKSONVILLE —
Ginger the German Shepherd is close to the end of her recovery after being brutally beaten in late June.
Klein Animal Shelter Executive Director Angela Wallace said the four-month-old puppy should be ready for adoption by next week.
“Ginger is a close to pure German Shepherd,” Wallace said. “She was originally a neighborhood dog.”
The canine, described as a true sweetheart by Wallace, was allegedly beaten by a piece of wood when she walked into a local man’s car port.
“Her pelvis was broken in three spots, her head was swollen and she had multiple contusions,” Wallace said.
Wallace said Ginger found her way to Dr. John Alexander’s veterinary clinic in Bullard, where she was treated by Dr. Justin Cavitt and hospitalized for the better part of a week.
Meanwhile, Wallace said, Jacksonville Police Department Detective Javier Guerra was on the case.
“A Good Samaritan called in about a man in town beating a dog with a possible 2-by-4 or piece of wood,” Guerra said. “The animal shelter arrived and looked at the dog. There was blood on its snout.”
Guerra said one man was arrested and accused of cruelty to non livestock animals.
Jose Sergio Trojillo, 44, of Jacksonville, was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in mid July and released July 18 on $5,000 bond, according to jail officials.
“He said the dog was in his garage and attacked him, and that he was defending himself,” Guerra said. “The investigation proved the facts were not as he explained them to me.”
Wallace said once Ginger was cleaned up, she was delivered back to the animal shelter to begin rehabilitation.
“Ginger is just the sweetest dog,” Wallace said. “During her exam she never attempted to growl or bark or anything. She does great with other dogs, cats and kids.”
She added the dog’s only drawback is a need to rebuild her confidence, especially toward people holding items. Ginger’s health, however, is top-notch.
“The dog could be ready for adoption in another week,” Wallace said.
Guerra cautioned against citizens dealing with wild or nuisance animals themselves.
“If you have a wild animal or an animal being a nuisance on your property, don’t take matters into your own hands. It may be construed as a crime,” Guerra said. “Let people handle animals who are paid to handle animals.”
Wallace said she has seen more and more animal abuse and cruelty cases come to the animal shelter.
“We will be doing everything we can to prosecute those responsible to the full extent of the law,” Wallace said.
But for Ginger, Wallace said the ordeal is just about over.
According to Wallace, the pup is as friendly as can be and ready for a loving family and a better life.
