PATERSON — A malnourished and emaciated little shih tzu dog that was thrown out of a moving car on Saturday died overnight Friday at the North Jersey animal hospital where it had been receiving 24-hour care.

The dog, which the staff at Ramapo-Bergen Animal Shelter had named Grant, had to receive a blood transfusion. His urine and feces-matted fur had to be completely shorn.

Days before his death, Grant was unable to stand but still managed to show affection.

Grant was receiving care at Oradell Animal Hospital and veterinarians estimated that it would have taken weeks for him to recover.

Authorities tracked the suspected vehicle but were not sure who was driving. The vehicle is registered to an older woman who is in a rehab facility, officials said.

Anyone found guilty of this kind of animal abuse could face a jail sentence and thousands in fines, the Paterson animal control officer told New Jersey 101.5 earlier this week.

The Ramapo-Bergen Animal Shelter raised more than $18,600 from 541 people to help pay for Grant's care.

Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. Send him news tips: Call 609-438-1015 or email sergio.bichao@townsquaremedia.com.

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