Police responding to a mental illness call at a church on Monday found a severely injured dog, believed to have been stabbed 19 times.

The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) rescued the 10-year-old female poodle mix.

Upon examination by Humane Society of Missouri veterinarians, the dog nicknamed “Frannie” was found to have sustained 19 stab wounds to her neck, back and chest. Frannie was suffering from blood loss, shock and trauma when she arrived at the Humane Society of Missouri. After receiving IV fluids, antibiotics and pain medication, she is now in guarded condition at HSMO headquarters.

The Humane Society of Missouri ACT received a call Monday from a CIT-trained St. Louis County police officer concerning an injured dog found while the team was responding to a mental illness call at a church in north St. Louis County. Upon arrival at the church, the ACT investigator found the wounded dog, covered in blood but alive. St. Louis County police requested HSMO take the dog into protective custody for treatment and sheltering. Late Tuesday afternoon, the dog’s owner voluntarily surrendered custody of Frannie to the Humane Society of Missouri.

“This poor dog suffered unfathomable trauma,” said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. “Our first priority is for her to make a full recovery. Our expert staff will do everything we can to treat Frannie and give her the love and care she deserves. In addition, our Animal Cruelty Task Force will continue to investigate this case and deliver our report to the St. Louis County Police Department and the prosecutor’s office.”