A German Shepherd found wondering in the town of Chautauqua is receiving treatment at the Chautauqua County Humane Society. Submitted photo

After an undetermined amount of time in the wild, the Chautauqua County Humane Society earlier this week took in a German Shepherd that was found in the town of Chautauqua.

An animal control officer and a local resident were able to entice the dog — now named Strider — with a sub from the Olde Corer Deli and hooked a leash onto its collar. Strider had reportedly been roaming the areas of Hannum and Bentley roads long enough that residents were leaving food and water out for the loose dog.

“He was in need of some help,” said Kellie Roberts, executive director of the Chautauqua County Humane Society.

Roberts said Strider had scabs and wounds all over his body as well as missing hair and swollen rear legs with signs of malnutrition. She said the dog could have died had he not been brought in for treatment.

While Roberts admitted that dogs are typically tough animals she said “they’re not wild animals,” and in the wild “they can’t fend for themselves.”

After eluding rescue for a little while, Roberts said Strider must have become desperate enough to approach the animal control officer and the area resident.

Strider was taken to Moonbrook Veterinary Hospital in Jamestown for an examination.

After examining the dog’s blood it was determined that Strider had a major infection that could account for much of his hair loss and inflammation.

With supervision from Molly Loomis, veterinary technician at the humane society, Strider now undergoes hydrotherapy twice a day to combat his skin condition. He is also being given an antibiotic regimen to counteract the infection that was found, and is being slowing introduced to routinely scheduled meals. Roberts noted that malnourished dogs have to slowly adjust to eating proper meals again. The end goal is to get rid of his infection and help Strider gain weight.

Roberts said Strider is now “doing pretty well,” but maintained that he has not fully recovered. For now, the humane society will keep Strider for further treatment until he makes a full recovery. Eventually, Roberts said she hopes the dog is put up for adoption.

Roberts said it is unknown how Strider came to this condition and to be on his own; anyone with information regarding the German Shepherd is asked to contact CCHS at 665-2209 ext. 200.