Dog sexually assaulted with broom adopted after being nursed back to health

ARLINGTON, Va. - After suffering what veterinarians called one of the worst cases of abuse they have ever seen, a beagle-basset hound mix brought into an animal rescue in Arlington has found a new home.

The Homeward Trails Animal Rescue in Arlington took in "Huggles" last month after she was picked up in Isle of Wight, Virginia. She was suffering from lots of pain, and when veterinarians took a closer look at her with an x-ray and then surgery, it was found that she had been sexually assaulted with a broom handle. The vets found the plastic end of the broom that had broken off inside her, causing a serious infection.

Since then, the animal rescue along with veterinarians have helped rehab Huggles her back to health and she has now been adopted.

"It takes an army to save one but that is what rescue is all about," said Shelly de Souza, who had been fostering Huggles, in an email to FOX 5.

De Souza said the vet has told her Huggles is doing great and has no long-term problems from the injury she suffered.

The person who inflicted the unthinkable abuse to Huggles has not been found. According to Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, a $10,000 reward is being offered to catch the suspect.