Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A stray dog is on the mend after being attacked by a porcupine near Fredonia.
"This is the third porcupine-faced dog I've seen in over 30 years at the SPCA Serving Erie County," said Gina Lattuca, Chief Communications Officer, with WBEN on Friday.
"It appeared the dog tried to make friends with a porcupine, but it didn't go well. The porcupine shot it with its quills, at least 50 times. They do that when they are upset or stressed."
Lattuca said she is amazed, once again, at the skills of the SPCA's Veterinary team. Dr. Allison Kean performed the surgery.
"Dr. Kean was finding quills behind her gums, on the inside her mouth that weren't visible on the outside. It was the most amazing thing to witness," Lattuca noted.
The dog was incredibly skinny, leading the SPCA to believe she had been dealing with this for a while, and was not able to eat because of the pain.
Lattuca credits the man who found her and brought her to the SPCA, as well as the veterinary team. She also thanks donors to the SPCA's Yelp for Help Fund, which helped pay for the surgery and treatment.
The SPCA has given the dog the name of Frida Kahlo, after a well known Mexican painter.
Frida is recovering and the next step may be foster care, rather than being put up for adoption right away.
"We're going to start a plea very soon for people who are interested in fostering puppies. And remember when you foster, you have first crack at adoption," Lattuca noted.
The SPCA's Foster Program also pays for all food, medicine and equipment that is needed to care for the animal while in your care.