News Summary

SOMERVILLE — A beagle puppy found with both its front legs broken was taken to the Animal Friends Humane Society shelter in Trenton.

From there, Trooper went home with Somerville resident Debra Decker as a foster pet, temporarily joining her household's five other animals.

"He's an absolute joy," she said.

While the shelter raises funds to pay for Trooper's surgery, Decker said having Trooper is like having another child on her hands — she puts the young dog in a baby stroller to help him get around due to his special needs.

Also, she gave him a comforter to sleep on.

After surgery planned at the Animal Care Center in Fairfield, Trooper is expected stay with Decker until his casts are taken off — unless someone wishes to adopt Trooper to give him a permanent home.

"It's going to be hard to give him up," Decker said. "He'll make someone a good pet."

Donations may be made at animalfriendshs.org; request the funds go to Trooper's surgical costs.