Dog set on fire by owner, making good recovery

A 1-year-old mixed-breed female dog named Hope, believed to be set on fire by her owner on Thursday, is making progress and was seen by more veterinary specialists Tuesday.

Hope is currently being treated for burns in the intensive care unit at BluePearl Veterinary Partners specialty and emergency hospital for pets in Tampa, one of nine nationally recognized veterinary trauma centers in the U.S.,

Dr. Tammy Miller Michau, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist with BluePearl Veterinary Partners, examined and continued treatment on Hope’s eyes Tuesday.

Michau performed a complete eye exam including a corneal cytology to look for an infection. Michau said, the left eye has good prognosis, but he is concerned with the right eye due to some loss of the corneal structure.

“We’re hoping to stop it from progressing with medical therapy,” said Michau. “If it gets any worse, though, we should be able to repair it with surgery.”

Hope was allegedly set on fire by her owner Thursday morning in Arcadia, Florida, according to members of the Hardee Animal Rescue Team.

The Arcadia Police Department and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office are currently investigating.

People interested in donating to Hope’s care should make donations directly to HART, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps animals, via their website athardeeanimalrescueteam.weebly.com

Anyone with any information related to the law enforcement aspect of Hope’s case is urged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at 863.494.2222 or the Florida State Fire Marshal Arson Tip Hotline at 877.662.7766.