Missy, abandoned dog of Colorado hiker gets new home

Abandoned dog of Colorado hiker gets new hone

Missy the dog has been rescued

Missy, the abandoned dog of the callous Colorado hiker, Anthony Ortolani, gets a new home with one of the people who rescued her.

Fortunately it turned out well for Missy.

Anthony Ortolani, who likely should be barred from ever owning a pet, was hiking on August 5th with his 5 year old dog, Missy, a German Shepherd and Rottweiler mix.

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He claims that a storm was moving in and he was concerned with the safety or himself and his friend so when Missy, who’s feet were all cut up from walking on the rough terrain, could no longer walk, he abandoned her.

He claims that he and his friend did try to carry the 100+ pound Missy but had to save themselves.

When he made it make it back to safety, he had a friend contact the sheriff’s office and was told they could not send a rescue team for a dog so he simply left and went back to his life.

He did not solicit any help nor leave any notes or signs in case someone found his dog. He just left.

Six days later on August 11th, two hikers, Scott and Amanda Washburn, were in the same area and found the now dying dog. By now, Misty was very weak so the couple used a first aid kit they had, patched Missy up as best as they could and went to seek help.

These two concerned, humane citizens put up a facebook page and asked for help on a hikers forum.

Missy the dog rescued

A group of 8 volunteers went with to rescue Missy and they carried her down in a hiking backpack, after 9 long hours.

Unbelievably, Anthony Ortolani, after abandoning his dog and not trying to help in any way, wanted his dog back.

He said,

Having trained, professional, well-equipped people saying it’s too risky to go up there to a get a dog out of there, I couldn’t see the responsibility of how it would make sense for me to get untrained, unequipped, not professional people  to go risk their lives to get the dog.

Let’s hope he doesn’t have any kids since he doesn’t appear to want to accept any responsibility for his actions.

Missy the dog gets new home

Thankfully, Ortolani agreed to give up the dog to one of the rescuers. He said,

I don’t want to give her up — I love her — but those people risked life and limb to get her out of there, and that has got to be worth something.

That something might be Ortolani facing lesser charges relating to the abandonment of Missy and animal cruelty.  His callous, cavalier attitude has made him the target of death threats.

The Washburn’s and all of the rescuers should be commended for their caring attitude and of course, their actions in saving the life of Missy, qualities the former owner so obviously lacks.

Related articles

• Man Charged After Abandoning Dog
• Missy the dog, stranded by owner on mountain, will live with rescuer
• Hiker wants dog back he abandoned on mountain
• Colorado hikers rescue injured dog

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