WATERFORD (WWJ) - A local animal rescue is trying to raise thousands of dollars to care for a dog who survived a house fire that was possibly set to cover up his owner's murder.
Casper was found clinging to life on Tuesday, Aug. 27 after firefighters extinguished a blaze at his home on North Lynn Street. Casper's 54-year-old owner, who adopted the young Chihuahua about a month earlier, was found dead after the fire and police are investigating her death as a murder.
While the search for the killer continues, Casper is recovering from injuries sustained in the fire.
"We're so grateful for the firemen who rushed this dog immediately to get medical attention. If it wasn't for that, he wouldn't be here at all right now," said Melinda Schneid, a volunteer with Home Fur-Ever Rescue.
Schneid said Casper will likely have to undergo multiple surgeries to remove plastic that melted into his skin.
"The vet told us the other day that it sometimes gets worse before it gets better," Schneid told WWJ's Christina McDaniel. "We were told he has ulcers in his eyes and he has plastic that was melted to part of his head and now his leg... and it's pretty severe."
Schneid said donating for Casper's care would be a fitting tribute to his owner, who loved him very much despite their short time together.
"This woman had a pet and obviously would very much want him to be taken care of and survive this ordeal," she said. "Every donation helps as the cost is quite extensive."
Tax-deductible donations can be made through PayPal at homefurever@comcast.net or online at homefurever.com.
Meantime, police have a identified a person of interest in the murder. Investigators are searching for 35-year-old Adonis Drey Wilson, who was seen cutting at the grass at the woman's home the day she was found dead. He was also seen at the home several times in the past and may have provided lawn cutting services to others.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 248-618-6077.
