Community rallies behind dog abused in social media video

The community is rallying behind a dog that was abused in a video posted to social media.

WKYT's Garrett Wymer

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Video of a teenager kicking Opal, a senior miniature Italian greyhound, in the face was posted to social media. It upset Opal's owner and outraged many viewers.

The video, which lasts four seconds, is hard to watch.

You can see a recording of the video, which was shared on Facebook by concerned citizens trying to bring attention to the matter, by clicking

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When Trudi Johnson saw the video, she got moving, mobilizing an army of support for Opal and her owner. She met Opal Wednesday night.

"It was really nice to be able to snuggle with her," Johnson said. "I was taken aback by how small she was. I didn't realize she was that little. I frankly think she's lucky to be alive."

With a lot of folks asking how they could help, on Thursday Johnson, who runs an animal rescue in Frankfort, helped set up an account for Opal's vet bills at

. Opal is going to the vet for a checkup on Saturday, Johnson said.

Johnson also led a charge to inundate the county attorney's office with phone calls, urging them to go forward with charges against the suspects, who appear to be teenagers. Johnson said the county attorney's office received more than 250 calls from concerned citizens between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

"We want them to do something about it," Johnson said. "Whatever that may be. Whatever the law will allow. We want something done about it. We're not going to let it go."

Just this week, the

ranked Kentucky as the state with the

for the 10th straight year. You can read their full report

.

Franklin County Sheriff Pat Melton told WKYT's Garrett Wymer on Wednesday that his office was investigating the incident.

In a post Thursday evening on Facebook, the sheriff said he and the county attorney will make an announcement about the case during a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday.

Even before all the efforts to help, Opal's owner told us on Wednesday that she appreciates all the support.

"It feels really good," Jeannine Willis said. "I'm glad, I'm very happy. I thank them very much. I'm very grateful."

You can make donations to Jeannine Willis' account for Opal at VCA Woodford Animal Hospital by calling (859) 873-5181.