Fundraiser In Honor of Dog Who Died After Being Abandoned on I-84

Here's how you can help the organization that tried to save the dog that was left tied to a tree on I-84 and help find the person responsible for the dog's death.

Download the Hudson Valley Post App

During the last weekend of July, a crew member getting ready to mow near mile marker 50 on Interstate 84 in East Fishkill heard what sounded like a dog barking in the nearby woods.

Soon a young dog that showed signs of prior neglect was found tied to a tree. Officials believed the dog had been tied up for a while.

The dog, which the Dutchess County SPCA named Pesci, was extremely friendly and seemed to be in improving health. Sadly, this week's Pesci's health took a drastic turn for the worse.

Wednesday evening he passed away from injuries officials believe he likely got while being tied up and abandoned on I-84.

"When he first came to us at DCSPCA he stole our hearts and we were certain he would find a loving home right away. Sometimes things don't go as we would wish, but this time it seems especially hard," the Dutchess County SPCA said about the dog's death.

After learning about Pesci's death, Kathleen Greenier Howard started a fundraiser for the Dutchess County SPCA in honor of Pesci. In just a few hours nearly 400 doors have been raised, as of this writing. You can donate by CLICKING HERE.

Pesci suffered from a perforated esophagus and collapsed trachea which officials believed were caused for him trying to escape while tied up.

The Dutchess County SPCA also has a fundraiser for Pesci which has raised nearly $4,500 dollars.

Last Friday, the New York State Police were contacted by the New York State Humane Association, from Kingston, who offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the neglect and abandonment of the animal.

Subscribe to the Hudson Valley Post’s Newsletter

Police are still trying to find the person or people responsible. Anyone with information regarding the possible history of this animal or its owners is asked to please contact the New York State Police at State Police in East Fishkill at (845) 677-7300. Please reference case# 9050766.