WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. — Warning: The video above contains some photos of explicit animal abuse that may be distressing.
While working the graveyard shift for the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Deputy William Armstrong was among those who responded to a report of animal abuse in Aloha on May 5.
Inside, they found a mixed-breed female dog cowering in the corner, covered in cuts and lacerations to her snout, head, and neck. Her whiskers were also burned.
According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies learned the previous owner gave the caller the dog in this condition. The caller relinquished any ownership interest in Dice to deputies, who took her in for immediate medical care.
"She's one of the most resilient dogs I've ever met. She was in really bad shape when we found her," said Armstrong.
After meeting with the veterinarian, deputies believed the previous owner to be responsible for Dice's injuries and returned to contact the man. Brandon Ash, 41, of Beaverton, was arrested and charged with animal abuse and neglect.
While at the emergency vet with the dog, formerly named "Dice," Armstrong said he fell in love.
"It just kind of clicked that this dog needed somewhere safe, needed somewhere where it would get unconditional love, and where she could have the best shot at rehabilitation and recovery," he said.
In adopting her, he gave her a new home — and a new name.
"Her name is Trilly, short for Trillium," Armstrong said. "It's a flower in the Northwest that blooms, I think, once every three years, if I'm correct. And I just thought that fit. She's my little rare little girl who I found."
Trilly's still got a lot to learn, after only a month in his care.
"We're trying to get her more comfortable being on leash. We're seeing a trainer regularly to kind of break some old habits and get some new good habits. And she really loves to play. She loves tug of war. She loves playing fetch. So I'm just... I'm really excited for her future here and just seeing everything that it brings," he said.
That future: a safe home, with a loving family.
"I think every dog — every animal in general — of animal abuse deserves a second chance. And I think this is her big shot of the second chance," Armstrong said.