Dog survives near drowning, gets loving home

Jahmal Clark, of 1108 Alston Village Lane, duct-taped the 4-month-old Shepherd mix puppy's muzzle and paws, and threw her in the lake Thursday at his apartment complex in an attempt to drown her, police said.

Passersby saw Clark toss the dog into the water and rescued her.  They took the dog to an animal hospital, and police were alerted of the crime.

“It's unbelievable, almost, and I certainly never thought in my wildest dreams I could be blessed by a dog that had gone through that,” her new owner said. The woman asked that WRAL News only use her first name, Stacy, because she is worried someone might try again to hurt the dog.

“When you're dog lover like I am, it's not hard to know what the right thing to do is,” Stacy said.

Officers had been calling the dog "Miracle," and Stacy thought the name fit and kept it.

“When we heard her story and knew where she had been, we decided. We didn't have the heart to change it. She's a miracle, and she deserves to be called that,” Stacy said.

“Maybe if nothing else, the story will get out there and let them know there are right avenues, SPCA's and animal shelters. There are other places to go, rescue groups,” Stacy said.

The puppy is healing well and has quickly adapted to her new home. Stacy and her husband have rescued five other dogs. They are currently caring for three dogs at their Wake County home.

Clark, 18, was charged with felony cruelty to animals and placed in the Wake County Jail. He was released on bond Saturday. His next court appearance was scheduled for August 6.

Clark told police he brought the dog to the vet to be put down, but didn't have $100 to pay for the procedure. He thought about bringing the dog to the SPCA but didn't have gas to get there, he told police.

Clark has been banned from the apartment complex where the dog was dumped, and is embarrassed by what he has done, his friends told WRAL News Monday.