July 15, 2019

Animal rescuers save dog 'bleeding from every inch of her body' that was buried alive on Hawaiian beach

WATCH: Rescuers save bleeding puppy buried alive on Hawaiian beach

Animal rescuers in Hawaii have saved a badly injured dog who was buried alive on a beach.

The pup was found by a member of Oahu-based organization Paws of Hawaii on Tuesday after someone armed with a machete, presumed to be the owner, had just buried her beneath the sand on the west side of the island, the group posted to Facebook last week.

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The dog, named Leialoha for "beloved child," was swollen, sunburned, missing most of her fur and "bleeding from every inch of her body" when she was picked up, according to the organization. Her leg had also been cut with the machete.

PAWS of Hawaii via Storyful
The animal rescue group PAWS of Hawaii released this image of a dog that they say was found after it was cut with a blade and then buried alive on a beach in Hawaii, July 9, 2019.

Leialoha was rushed to a veterinary clinic, and caregivers were finally able to give her a bath two days later.

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On Saturday, Leialoha's foster parents posted an update stating that she has "come so far." At first, she would only leave her kennel to go to the bathroom, but she has since ventured out to "see what was for dinner" and has found her safe space under a coffee table.

PAWS of Hawaii via Storyful
The animal rescue group PAWS of Hawaii released this image of a dog that they say was found after it was cut with a blade and then buried alive on a beach in Hawaii, July 9, 2019.

"She has a long way to go, but the worst is over," a Facebook post read.

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The organization is asking the community for donations for Leialoha's recovery.

PAWS of Hawaii via Storyful
The animal rescue group PAWS of Hawaii released this image of a dog that they say was found after it was cut with a blade and then buried alive on a beach in Hawaii, July 9, 2019.