Starving, skinny pup wanders in to fire station

Rescuers at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay are caring for a very skinny dog who was barely more than skin and bones when she wandered into a fire station.

The boxer, named 'Misha' by her rescuers, is now recovering from surgery. Officials there say she was severely malnourished with each rib visible when she arrived at Tampa Fire Station 6.

"She found her way, somehow, to a fire station in Ybor City; walked right in. Of course, the firemen went right to her, concerned about her, and they brought her to us," an HSTB spokesperson explained. "Thank God for our first responders, responding not only to the needs of humans but to animals as well."

Veterinarians believe Misha is between 6 and 8 years old. They say malnourishment is only one of her challenges - she was also suffering from parasites and heartworms, and a lump in her stomach may be cancer.

"We weren't sure if she was going to make it through the first day, but she did," the Humane Society spokeperson continued. "She's a fighter and we are going to do everything we can."

Meanwhile, the Humane Society is asking any who may have seen Misha wandering the Ybor area to call them. They'd like to be able to help investigators track down her previous owners.

"This is not acceptable. This dog has been suffering for a long time."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Humane Society at 813-876-7138 or communications@humanesocietytampa.org.