Two animal rescue groups have banded together to help save a starving and abused pit bull that was found in Paterson over the weekend.

The dog, now named Reese, was found near JFK High School on Totowa Avenue in Paterson Saturday night. She was severely underweight, was too weak to walk and was very close to death, according to officials. A good Samaritan found the dog, wrapped her in a blanket and took her to animal control.

“If it wasn't for her and her family seeing this dog, by that morning, the following morning, that dog would have perished,” says Chief Animal Control Officer John DeCando. “I mean, the temperature of that dog was real low. The dog should weigh 40 pounds, 50 pounds. The dog only weighs 17 pounds."

After Reese was brought in, Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge and Jersey Pits Rescue got involved and got Reese to Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus.

“It’s a joint effort. We’re trying to save this animal’s life. Pitiful in this day and age this is allowed to happen,” says DeCando.

Veterinarians say that Reese is doing much better and is getting a little stronger each day.

Meanwhile, DeCando says that he wants to find the people responsible for letting this happen to the dog. He is asking anyone who might have information on her original owners to call Paterson police.

Reese should be available for adoption in a few weeks. The groups helping her say that they are always looking for donations to further help other animals like Reese.

LINKS: 
Jersey Pits Rescue - Facebook
Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge - Facebook