Sand on the beach
A man was seen burying the dog in the sand. A team member of PAWS Hawaii thankfully arrived at the scene and rescued the dog. Pixabay

Someone decided to bury a dog alive on a beach in Hawaii. Fortunately, the animal was rescued and is now recovering in its foster home.

The PAWS of Hawaii said that the dog named Leialoha was spotted by its team members on Tuesday, July 9, on the island of Ohau.

PAWS said that a Good Samaritan reported seeing a man burying the dog in the sand. One of the group’s team members thankfully arrived at the scene and rescued the dog.

The non-profit, animal rescue group showed heartbreaking pictures of the injured animal on Facebook. The dog was severely swollen, covered in sunburn and missing 90 percent of its fur.

Ku'ulei Durand, the Executive Director of PAWS of Hawaii, said that the dog smelled rancid because of many open sores that are infected.

The dog also had cuts in one of her front legs and PAWS think the man who buried her may have used a knife to cut her.

Although the dog was saved from further abuse, Durand said the man responsible for hurting Leialoha is less likely to be prosecuted.

"Enforcement around animal laws is very difficult. Unless you have a video of the animal being abused, a picture and a report isn't going to stick," Durand said.

Leialoh was taken to the Aloha Affordable Veterinary Services, where she received treatment for injuries from skin disease and severe dehydration.

On July 11, Leialoha was finally able to take her first bath since she was rescued, albeit she was still bleeding from her wounds.

PAWS is, however, optimistic that the dog will bounce back and thanked those who donated money to cover Leialoha’s medical costs.

The dog was taken to a foster home where it is taken care of. On Sunday, Leialoha’s foster mom Amanda posted an update on the recuperating dog. Amanda, who has fostered many other animals from PAWS of Hawaii before, said the dog is doing well in her new home.

“Leialoha has come so far since Tuesday night. Initially, she would only leave her kennel to go to the bathroom. Last night, she came out, while we had friends over to see what was for dinner and has been liking being under the coffee table. She has a long way to go, but the worst is over,” she said in a statement shared by PAWS on Facebook.

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