Dec 28, 2006 — They have to fill in the details with their imaginations.

No one knows how he got the scars on his pink nose, or how long he was locked in a garage without food or water.

but those at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals know that, in the week since Noah was found with another pit bull dead of starvation beside him, he is learning to trust them.

Melissa Smith, York County SPCA's executive director, said people can only guess exactly what happened.

But this much she knows: Animal cruelty citations, which carry a fine of up to $750, will be filed soon against the dogs' owners, whose names have not yet been released.

In the meantime, she and others at the Manchester Township shelter have been nursing the 16-month-old tan and white dog back to health. A sign over his cage says, "Merry Christmas, Noah. Get well soon." A red felt stocking hangs next to it.

The hip bones and ribs that stuck out so sharply a week ago are now softened by a tiny bit of padding, the result of small meals every couple hours.

He still trembles around new people, but, on Wednesday, he approached Smith, seeking affection and a good scratch.

Many of the dogs at the shelter are pit bulls. While the breed is known for its loyalty and can be wonderful family dogs, Smith said, "a lot of people want them for the wrong reasons."

Because of that, the screening process to adopt a pit bull is more stringent than with other animals, she said.

Smith doesn't think Noah had been involved in organized dog fighting, which is illegal in Pennsylvania.

Police found Noah on Dec. 20 in the 100 block of Lafayette Street. An autopsy was done on the second dog, and investigators said its last meal consisted of wood shavings and a plastic comb.

Noah's old name had been 'Scrappy,' but shelter staff thought he deserved something better.

"We wanted to give him a new name and a new life," Smith said.

WANT TO TAKE NOAH HOME?

The SPCA has not yet received any phone calls about adopting Noah, a pit bull found starving in a locked garage last week. After the dog more fully recovers, Melissa Smith, York County SPCA's executive director, said he will be evaluated for temperament. If he is determined to be non-aggressive, he will be placed up for adoption. Smith said Noah is already responding affectionately to staff at the shelter, although he is still shy around strangers.

To inquire about Noah or to adopt another animal, contact the SPCA's at 764-6109.