A small dog named Lovely who Tucson police say was doused with gasoline and set afire along with part of a house earlier this month has died, officials say.
“Our hearts are breaking. Lovely went into cardiac arrest this morning and despite the vets' best efforts, they were unable to save her life,” said a Facebook posting by Pima Animal Care Center Sunday morning.
Dean Sherfield Finley, 39, is charged with animal cruelty, arson of an occupied structure and criminal damage in the incident May 7, at a house near East Stella and South Kolb roads.
Police have said Sheffield set fire to the house on Lovely on purpose.
Lovely was treated at Pima Animal Care Center, where she received pain medication and specialized, around-the-clock treatment from a medical team.
“We are only comforted by the fact that she died knowing she was loved, not just by all of us but by the thousands of people who sent in donations, messages of love and support and who were rooting for our sweet girl,” the center’s Facebook note continued.
“There are no words to describe how we all feel today or how humbled and grateful we are to our community who showed an unbelievable amount of love and care for this little dog.”
