Pug 'Completely Comatose' Upon Popcorn Park Arrival

Prissy, an eight-year-old pug, arrived at the Associated Humane Societies in January “completely comatose,” said Sandy Hickman of Popcorn Park, a Forked River based rescue facility.

“We received a call in January from a distressed person that needed to have her deceased pet removed from her Keansburg home,” she said. “We dispatched our Animal Control Officer to the home and when we went to retrieve the pet, he realized something just wasn’t right.”

The home was in disarray, the owner was disheveled and Prissy was breathing.

The owner had explained that the dog must have eaten something and died several hours earlier. Upon noticing Prissy was still alive, the Animal Control Officer immediately brought her to the veterinarian at Popcorn Park for urgent medical care, Hickman said.

Prissy had ingested “some unknown toxin,” she said.

Ultimately, the owner of Prissy was not charged. The official from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals that investigated the case did not see enough evidence to file charges, Hickman said. The owner willingly signed Prissy over to Popcorn Park.

“Our veterinarian began trying to stabilize poor Prissy, but it seemed her prognosis was bleak. Prissy remained comatose for two more days and finally, on the third day, she regained consciousness,” Hickman said.

Prissy could hardly hold herself up, staggering and stumbling as she tried to walk, she said.

“Our vet determined that her liver was failing, and she had also developed acute dry eye,” Hickman said. “Though we don't know what it was that Prissy ingested, this poor girl seemed quite, "drunk" for her first few weeks of treatment in our medical department.

“It's been a long, tough road to recovery for Prissy but finally, she is getting back to normal,” she said.

Prissy’s liver function is improving, although still a big abnormal. Her dry eye symptoms have resolved, but vision in one eye is diminished.

“You would never know this though, by looking at Prissy now,” Hickman said. “She gets around perfectly fine and is loving life.”

She enjoys the attention she receives for the medical staff and her daily walks.

“Prissy has lots of spunk and is a real fighter,” Hickman said.

Prissy will need a “special home” that can provide for her ongoing medical needs, Hickman said.

“Her condition is very manageable with a prescription diet and medications, and with a good, caring family, Prissy will thrive once again,” she said. “She is so loveable and affectionate, and just wants a fresh start in life.”

If you are interested in adopting Prissy, call Popcorn Park’s medical department directly to speak with veterinarian Dr. Laney Bris at 609-693-6551.

Hickman credited Popcorn Park’s Res-Q Fund for their ability to treat special needs cases, such as Prissy’s.  To contribute to the fund, click here.