Fate Of Dog Burned When Owner Set Fire To House Uncertain

LUTZ, FL -- An act of unfathomable cruelty by the person she depended on to care for her has left a dog severely burned, in excruciating pain and her fate uncertain.

According to the Suncoast Animal League of Palm Harbor, the American Staffordshire terrier named Denali had an especially difficult night Friday. League members are conferring with Dr. Sylvia Lee at BluePearl Veterinary Partners to determine if they should continue treating her or humanely euthanize her.

"A couple more wounds have started to declare themselves on the back of her neck, causing the setback," the league posted on its Facebook page. "We are meeting with Dr. Lee in a couple of hours. Please keep Denali in your thoughts."

Denali was one of eight dogs that were left in a Lutz home Aug. 25 when the owner set fire to the house.

Lee believes an accelerant was poured on Denali's back and head before she was set on fire due to the unusual burn pattern.

The league took over Denali's care after Pasco County Animal Services realized her wounds were too severe for the county shelter to handle.

League volunteers said her pain is agonizing. Even sedated, she cried throughout the 35-minute ride to BluePearl in Tampa. When they dropped her off, doctors said there was a 50/50 chance she would survive the night. But the 55-pound dog has a strong will to live.

Nevertheless, doctors said she had a long road ahead of her. Veterinarians have been debriding her burned skin, changing her bandages daily and giving her medication to control the intense pain.

The other seven dogs, all rescued by Pasco County Fire Rescue, escaped Denali's fate and are currently at Pasco County Animal Services.

To date, the owner of the dogs, Brandi Corrigan, has been charged with arson and possession of narcotics but not with animal abuse. She remains in the Land O' Lakes Detention Center. Her bond is set at $55,300.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Corrigan reportedy set fire to her home at 23547 Turtle Lakes Road after removing her own personal items, which didn't include her pets. She and her husband, who is in Iraq working for a private security contractor, are in the process of getting divorced (see related story).

Fire investigators said Corrigan painted graffitti on the walls and dumped paint throughout the house before setting it on fire in three locations. It's unclear whether Denali was doused with paint or another accelerant. But investigators believe she confined Denali to a separate room from the other dogs before setting the fire as an act of revenge against her husband, who may have favored Denali.

Anyone wishing to donate to Denali's mounting medical expenses is urged to click here.