Dog in animal neglect case adopted by North Smithfield police captain

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. — A dog rescued from an animal neglect case in North Smithfield has found a loving new home with one of the officers who helped her.

Elvira, who police reported was severely neglected and underweight when she was rescued in December, has officially been adopted by Captain Russell Ridge, one of the officers connected to her case.

The case began when North Smithfield Animal Control Officer Leanne Garzone responded to a request for a welfare check at a home last December. When she arrived, she found Elvira in disturbing condition.

Garzone said the dog had been tied to a bed, while her owner was allegedly throwing shoes at her. During the incident, the owner called a family member, who removed Elvira from the property and brought her to Burrillville. Garzone was eventually able to secure the dog’s surrender to a shelter.

Authorities said Elvira’s owner was charged and later sentenced in connection with the neglect. He accepted a plea deal requiring 20 hours of community service and one year of suspended probation, during which he is prohibited from owning animals.

When Elvira was rescued, she weighed just 42 pounds, but has since recovered to a healthy 60 pounds. Garzone said the dog had sores covering her legs, and her tail was so badly injured from repeated wagging against kennel walls, a painful condition known as “happy tail”, that amputation was initially considered.

The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) played a critical role in Elvira’s recovery. Since she was in such poor condition when she was rescued, Garzone turned to the RISPCA for assistance, and Elvira remained in their care for a month while receiving the treatment and rehabilitation she needed.

After months of treatment and rehabilitation, Elvira is now thriving in her new home. Her adoption by Captain Ridge marks a joyful new chapter in a story that began with cruelty but ended in compassion and second chances.