NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — By the hop in her step and perk in her ears, you would never guess that a 1-year-old mixed hound named Two Socks is recovering from a serious injury.
"She had about a six-inch buck knife stab straight down, vertical between her neck and her shoulder," said Dr. Chris Brown, a staff veterinarian at the Niagara County SPCA.
Niagara Falls Animal Control believes the owner's girlfriend, 54-year-old Christina Leighton, stabbed Two Socks because she was jealous of the dog.
"Officer [Dave] Bower had stated that she had said to him, 'I hate this dog,' " said Ryan Scott, a cruelty investigator.
Scott added: "The owner loved the dog, obviously. It's no reason to stab this animal. Don't take it out on the animal. They're helpless and defenseless. They just look for love."
Now Two Socks is being treated at the Niagara County SPCA.
Dr. Chris Brown performed surgery on her almost immediately.
The people who've been treating Two Socks say the good thing is she's young, resilient, and is already starting to bounce back.
"She's acting very well, good spirits so it's a really excellent prognosis," said Dr. Brown.
Two Socks is expected to make a full recovery, then return home.
As for Leighton, she's now facing a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty.
Niagara Falls Animal Control Officer Dave Bower told 2 On Your Side a restraining order was put on the suspect to protect Two Socks and her owner.
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