Emaciated pit bull found on Lorain tree lawn improving, named Herbie

LORAIN, Ohio - The pit bull found extremely emaciated on a tree lawn Saturday is improving -- and has been given a name.

The tiny dog has been named Herbie by the Lorain Animal Clinic.

Workers there say he is doing very well and being nursed back to health. It's possible Herbie could be adopted out in several months.

On Thursday, clinic workers said, "Herbie was holding his head up for us and has been eating from our hands. He still has a long way to go, but it is nice to see slight improvement."

One day later, they noted on their website that Herbie is still showing improvement.

"He is able to eat out of a dish and hold his head up. The swelling in his head has been reduced by 50 percent. He sleeps quite a bit."

No arrests have been made in connection to the horrific case of animal abuse, according to Lorain police.  

Herbie was found Saturday afternoon barely alive in the 800 block of W. 11th St., weighing only 25 pounds. A dog of his breed should weigh around 75 pounds.

Officers believe Herbie had previously been caged, neglected and dumped. His eyes were severely swollen and forced shut, and he couldn't walk or stand up.

If the owner of the dog can be identified, an arrest warrant will be issued for cruelty to animals.

Donations for Herbie can be sent to the Wood Foundation in care of Lorain Animal Clinic. The Wood Foundation is located at 4205 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44053. It's a non-profit that provides care for injured and abused animals.