Overweight dog survives being 'frozen'

A Wisconsin dog is fortunate to be alive after police found him frozen to the sidewalk. Jiffy, a male 11- to 12-year-old Border collie mix, survived a night of single-digit temperatures thanks in part to his weight. At 116 pounds, he likely stayed alive due to layers of fat that insulated his internal organs.

The dog's owner, Alice Bigler, 59, told police she tried to get the dog inside but was unable to, and instead checked on the dog every few hours. Police arrived at about 9:15 a.m. on Dec. 4 and Sheboygan County Humane Society employees freed the dog by pouring warm water over his back end.

Jiffy could hardly move, but had no signs of frostbite or other serious health issues. He is unable to stand up unassisted, but a veterinarian has concluded that his mobility issues are a result of his weight, rather than prolonged exposure to the extreme cold.

Bigler was charged with a misdemeanor for intentionally mistreating an animal and is scheduled for a court appearance Dec. 22. The humane society has received more than 100 offers to adopt Jiffy, but Bigler would have to voluntarily surrender custody of the dog, or be ordered to do so by a judge for him to be put up for adoption.