Bogey, a pit bull who once weighed just 18 pounds and was on the brink of death, has overcome unimaginable suffering — and now, his abuser has been held accountable. This heart-wrenching story of survival, justice, and the resilience of a dog who refused to give up is one that will leave you in awe.
It all began when Ohio woman Ashley Roderick was arrested for starving Bogey to the point of near death. The pit bull was found in a skeletal state, unable to stand and in critical condition, when he was surrendered to the Lucas County Pit Crew. At the time of his rescue, the staff was unsure whether he would survive.
Bogey update 12/16/19. He had a restful night and is still hanging in there. He’s not yet able to stand but he’s becoming more vocal and is eating small amounts every few hours.Posted by Lucas County Pit Crew on Monday, December 16, 2019
“He was basically a skeleton,” the rescue group said. “We didn’t know if he was going to make it, but we weren’t going to give up on him.”
Despite his emaciated state, there was still hope. But his suffering didn’t end with starvation. Bogey also had a ruptured right eye, which had to be removed. But his weakened state made the necessary surgery too risky. Slowly, he began to regain his strength.
Months later, after receiving the care he so desperately needed, Bogey was ready for surgery. And despite the trauma, his spirit never broke. Through the pain, his playful, loving nature began to shine through, making his recovery all the more heartwarming.
“The suffering that he has gone through was completely unnecessary and people need to realize there are consequences to doing that to someone else,” said Jean Keating, Executive Director of Lucas County Pit Crew.
Ashley Roderick, who has been charged with cruelty, was scheduled for trial tomorrow. After speaking with the victim’s…Posted by Lucas County Pit Crew on Monday, June 15, 2020
While Bogey received round-the-clock care in a foster home, his story began to capture the hearts of many, as he remained joyful despite the neglect he had endured. And when it came time for justice, the shelter vowed to stand by him.
“People tell me it’s a miracle that I am alive. I wasn’t ready for my story to end and with an entire crew behind me, I fought for my life. I hope tomorrow brings closure for my crew,” the shelter posted before the long-awaited trial.
After more than a year of waiting, the day for justice finally came. Roderick appeared in court, and in a heart-wrenching statement, Judge Lindsay Navarre did not hold back: “Bogey would have been better off wandering the street, eating from Dumpsters, than he was in your care — or, quite frankly, lack thereof.”
Bogey would like to give a shout out to all the medical professionals working overtime to keep us safe! (no materials were wasted as facemask is going to work with his foster family)Posted by Lucas County Pit Crew on Sunday, March 22, 2020
Roderick pled guilty to animal cruelty and was sentenced to a minimum of 180 days at a corrections center. Additionally, she was ordered to pay $3,494 in restitution to cover Bogey’s medical bills. While some hoped for a harsher sentence, many took comfort in knowing that justice had been served for this innocent animal.
Today, Bogey’s past of neglect is behind him, and he’s living a life full of love and joy with his new family. “If we all could live like Bogey and just move on with life, we’d all be a lot happier, I am sure,” said Jean Keating.
Thank you Judge Navarre! Bogey’s voice was heard today and Ashley Roderick has received the maximum sentence. Stay tuned for details.Posted by Lucas County Pit Crew on Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Bogey’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark the beginning, there’s always hope for a happy ending — especially when there’s a dedicated crew standing behind you.
