Weeks Old Puppy’s Eye Left ‘Hanging Out’ After Being Attacked by Mom

Tiny Frenchie-Chihuahua mix Jiminy was left fighting for his life after suffering a traumatic injury, but thanks to the fast actions of local animal groups, is now on the road to recovery.

According to Austin Animal Center (AAC), the neonatal puppy was bitten by his own mother, leaving his eye severely damaged and “hanging out.” Recognizing the urgency of the situation, AAC took Jiminy in as an owner surrender and immediately administered pain medication and sedation.

To prevent further damage, vets at the municipal shelter glued his eye shut before transferring him to specialized care.

Last week, Jiminy was taken to rescue Austin Pets Alive! (APA!). “The pup arrived as a medical urgent case, where he is receiving intensive care—including antibiotics, pain meds, and oxygen therapy—to reduce brain swelling and prevent infection,” a spokesperson for APA! said.

The cost of Jiminy’s medications alone has reached $300, but his condition is steadily improving under round-the-clock care and now his future is looking brighter.

In the first half of 2024, 3.12 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, a decrease from the same period in 2023. Despite this, the number of animals in shelters remains high—in the first half of 2024, 322,000 more pets entered shelters than exited them.

Why do dogs reject their offspring?

While many canine mothers bond quickly with their offspring, this isn’t the case for all of them. A mother dog may become aggressive towards her puppies if she feels overwhelmed, stressed, or afraid, while inexperience and hormonal imbalances can also play a role.

In more serious cases, if a puppy is sick, weak, or has a deformity, the mother’s instincts may lead to her rejecting or attacking it to focus on healthy offspring. This can lead to disasters like that Jiminy suffered.

Anyone worried about a dog rejecting her puppies should consult a veterinarian for advice.

After showing positive progress, Jiminy has been transitioned into a neonatal foster home, where he will continue healing in a safe and loving environment. Once he is fully recovered and old enough, Jiminy will be available for adoption.

“APA!’s mission is saving the most at-risk pets, but without the partnership between APA! and AAC, Austin’s animals likely wouldn’t have the opportunity to survive,” the rescue explained.

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