Ep 5. Too Late (aka New Hope for Honey)

Animal Precinct is a reality television series which follows the New York City Animal Cruelty Investigations Squad, launched by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Season 4, Episode 5 (aka New Hope for Honey) is titled "Too Late" and chronicles the heartbreaking story of a neglected and severely injured young pit bull mix named Honey. The episode begins with the team receiving a call on their cruelty hotline about a dog that has been hit by a car and has been left to suffer. The animal control officers rush to the location, where they find Honey in a cage on the street in front of the owner's house. She is in severe pain and unable to walk, and her owner is nowhere to be found. Honey is taken immediately to the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for an examination and treatment. At the clinic, Honey is found to have injuries consistent with being hit by a car, as well as evidence of long-term neglect. She is undernourished and severely anemic, with a dangerously low red blood cell count. Honey's condition is so critical that she is in need of a blood transfusion, but the team doesn't know her blood type. The ASPCA team immediately starts posting flyers in the surrounding neighborhood pleading with anyone who knows the dog or could provide any information to come forward. Meanwhile, the team staff takes turns holding and comforting Honey, who has become very close to her caretaker. As the investigation continues, the team's efforts to trace Honey's owner hit a dead end. Interviews with neighbors, past tenants of the building, and other leads are fruitless. Fortunately, the staff's plea for donors to come to Honey's aid is successful and a matching blood donor is found. However, Honey's recovery takes several weeks, as her bodily trauma and emaciated state require constant monitoring and treatment. Honey's caregiver reveals that because she suffered from separation anxiety, she had previously asked the owner to take care of Honey while she was away. This leads investigators to examine the neglect more closely and investigate possible criminal charges against the owner. During Honey's recovery, several animal welfare organizations express an interest in adopting Honey once she is completely recovered. A nonprofit, Finding Rover, helps create a buzz on social media about Honey's situation, and donations from supporters on the organization's platform fund all of Honey's medical bills. The ASPCA investigations team soon learns that the nonprofit had rescued a pit bull mix dubbed Olive, who was found on the steps of the New Hope Baptist Church in the wake of tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. When the ASPCA team's lead investigator suggests Honey might fit in well with Olive, Finding Rover arranges a meeting between the two pit bull mixes. The meeting goes well, and Honey is eventually adopted by Olive's rescuers. Honey's new adoptive parents look forward to giving her a new life and spending time on activities like hiking, running, and playing with toys. In conclusion, "Animal Precinct" Season 4, Episode 5 (aka New Hope for Honey) is a haunting and inspiring episode that depicts the harrowing journey of a young pit bull mix, who was abandoned and left to die. It's also an episode that reminds us of the goodness in humanity, with animal welfare organizations and countless anonymous donors coming forward to help support Honey's recovery and future home. The episode is an emotional and touching representation of the ASPCA's emergency response team and the dedication of its staff. It's a must-watch for any animal lover or anyone who has a passion for helping others.