10/28/2026
Caution: these images may not be suitable for all viewers, but they are important for understanding the daily activities of our staff and officers.
Today, we finally closed a case that we had been working on for quite some time. I received a call from a resident who reported that there was a horse in distress and requested a welfare check to ensure the animal was okay. This call was ongoing and my colleague, Humane Associate Christian Milhoan (now Officer Milhoan), and I proceeded to the address in question. (The horse is a different story for a later date)
Upon arrival, we found a downed mare that seemed to be in labor. Initially, I was uncertain due to the mare's weight, but this was later confirmed. Officer Milhoan's expert knowledge of equines was invaluable in helping me assess care and treatment options for the mare, particularly in our work with the humane crime unit.
After evaluating the horse, we approached the home. As we pulled up, we noticed a dog lying in the grass to our right that, at first glance, appeared to be dead due to its lack of movement. However, as we got closer, the dog lifted its head.
Upon further inspection, Officer Milhoan and I were met with a very disturbing sight. The dog had a severe laceration on its left front paw and was in significant pain, yet somehow it still wagged its tail slowly. I approached the front storm door, and what I saw was right out of a horror movie Blood spatter was everywhere, staining the concrete, with towels scattered around. There were also partial paw prints leading to the door, as if the poor pup had dragged himself through the mess to reach the grass area. I knocked on the door and announced my presence, then turned my attention back to the pup and the barn, repeating my announcement, knowing that time was not on my side. The dog had suffered extreme blood loss, and I could see bone fragments, along with signs of supraventricular tachycardia, (as seen in the video) with a heart rate exceeding 200 beats per minute.
Officer Milhoan and I quickly loaded the pup into the vehicle and we proceeded to the nearest vet that could help. I called little vet clinic and Dr. Zoldak promptly attended to us, recognizing the urgency of the situation. Upon our arrival, we were taken immediately to the examination room. The poor puppy’s heart rate was at 280 beats per minute as the doctor quickly assessed his condition, which included multiple broken bones and fractured appendages.
The blood loss was so significant that the doctor could not operate, as it posed a serious risk of death under anesthesia. Therefore, pain medication and gentle handling were the best options. I cannot express enough how professional and compassionate the doctor and her team were during this traumatic time.
This poor pup not only had fleas but also ticks feeding on other ticks on its body. After testing, we discovered that he had Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. The pup underwent multiple treatments to save his paw along with 28 days of antibiotics for the Lyme disease.
During the investigation, we discovered that the puppy, now named
Reznor Philip Beel, had been run over by a skid steer, and the owners had failed to seek treatment for him. Officer Milhoan and I found the dog 16 hours later, lying in the grass outside their home. There were no wraps or any signs of treatment applied, and he had lost a significant amount of blood.
I left a notice for the owner, and about three hours later, I received a call telling me that I needed to bring his dog back. I explained that the dog was not coming back; he was undergoing emergency treatment because he was actively dying on the scene. The owner insisted that the dog was fine, but I told him I had a veterinarian who would disagree.
I followed up on what happened to the dog, and he explained that he was run over. I then asked why he did not seek proper treatment and if he did not realize the dog was in severe pain. Again, he insisted that the dog was not in pain and claimed, "I can take care of him just as well as the vet can." I calmly disagreed and explained that he would have his chance to speak with the judge.
Today in court, we were victorious. This case was not solely about the accident that occurred; I understand that things happen, especially on farms. However, failing to seek proper care for animals is wrong, regardless of the circumstances. It is not anyone else's responsibility to care for your animals; it is yours. If you cannot afford them and lack a contingency plan, you need to reevaluate your life choices. Dogs, cats, and livestock are a significant responsibility, so please be responsible for your animals.
Reznor Philip Beel has moved on to a wonderful life with his new owners and has fully recovered, thanks to the hard work of the staff here at the Columbiana County Humane Society. Their tireless efforts and love for what they do truly shine through.
A special thank you to Sara Beel , you are amazing thank you for giving Reznor the best rest of his life .
Defend-Protect
Pike
