Special event planned for Axel the pit bull at Manatee Animal Services

No Kill Manatee invites the community to a special event at 2:00 pm, January 9th at Manatee County Animal Services, 305 25th St. W., Palmetto.

Axel, the pit bull who was hit in the head with an axe-like object, is going to a foster home with Trisha Robinson. He will leave his friends at Beach Veterinary Clinic, where he has convalesced since he was found with his injury in November, and go to Animal Services with his new foster mom, trainer Trisha Robinson of Dawg Phonics.

Axel will meet his fans and be reunited with Animal Services officer Steve Bell, who rescued him and took him straight to Beach Vet on November 26 when he was found.

Axel's story received national attention when he was discovered wondering around a Bradenton neighborhood with blood covering his head. A campaign was started to fund Axel's recovery and to find the person or persons responsible for this heinous act of cruelty.

The following is a reprint of a portion of an article found on www.dogheirs.com.

As Axel's story has spread, donations have poured in. And thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon, the reward now stands at $13,600 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for hurting Axel.

Judging from old scars on Axel's back legs, feet and face, he may have been used as a bait dog or used in dog fights. However, Axel has shown no aggression toward his rescuer or those providing medical care.

Axel was found on Monday, November 26, 2012 in the 200-block of 60th Avenue W. in Bradenton, Florida. Kris Weiskopf, Chief of Manatee County Animal Services, said his department has canvassed the neighborhood where Axel was found and interviewed neighbors, but do not have any leads so far.

The no-kill shelter plans on fostering Axel prior to putting him up for adoption. "I would like to see someone do a foster as a transition home with the intention of fostering to adopt,"said Kris Weiskopf, chief of ManateeCounty Animal Services.

To share information about the incident or learn more about adopting Axel, call Animal Services at 941-742-5933 ext. 8314. Tips can also be reported to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-TIPS(8477).

More information can be found on Axel's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/axelsangels.