Two dogs, named Ren and Stimpy, were rescued from a squalid basement in a Bronx apartment building on Friday after being abandoned and left to live in their own waste. The building's new superintendent discovered the severely neglected animals and contacted NYC Second Chance Rescue.
According to the organization, the dogs were found covered in urine and feces. One of the dogs was suffering from severe matting of its fur, with maggots burrowing into its skin. Both animals had open sores and were infested with fleas.
The superintendent told rescuers that the dogs were left behind by the previous superintendent, who had become terminally ill with cancer. The rescue group stated they were amazed the animals had survived under such conditions.
Ren and Stimpy were immediately transported to an emergency veterinary hospital. As of Saturday evening, both dogs remained in critical condition, with one described as being in an incredibly vulnerable state. Veterinarians worked to sedate one dog to remove its matted fur, which had begun to cut into its leg.
"How do you love an animal and then leave them to suffer like this? We will never understand," NYC Second Chance Rescue posted on social media. The rescue group is focused on the dogs' long road to recovery. Images shared by the organization show the emaciated animals with mangy fur and visible wounds.