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Burned Chihuahua Puppy In Antioch Recovering After Losing Ears; $1,000 Reward Offered To Find Attacker

ANTIOCH (CBS SF) -- A chihuahua puppy that was found to have been tortured with major burns is recovering after having its ears amputated.

The puppy was found inside a play area at Antioch Animal Services last week with burns on its ears and stomach, according to the shelter. It had surgery to remove its ears last Friday.

The dog wasn't burned by fire but from some kind of chemical, according to Kristy Keusch, who is caring for the injured animal -- now known as "Fireman" -- at a foster home in Oakley after the rescue group Umbrella of Hope stepped in.

"It's hard not to get attached, I'd love to keep him but, I know he's got a perfectly good family out there somewhere," Keusch said.

Umbrella of Hope said hundreds of people have asked about adopting Fireman, and the organization hopes the attention will also result in adoptions of many other dogs and cats the group handles.

Burned Puppy
The burned puppy formerly known as 'Fireman' during its recovery at a foster home in Oakley. (Photo courtesy of "Memoirs of a Dog")

Fido Alert in East Contra Costa County has offered a $1,000 reward for information that leads to whoever caused Fireman's injuries.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call police at 925-779-6989.

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