The local and national outpouring of support to aid an abused 7-year-old border collie named “Blazer” has been overwhelming, according to owner Kathleen Roller.

Blazer was found a week ago near Birch Road in Port Orchard, lying on his side, with zip ties around his legs three days after the dog went missing.

“I was involved in a serious car accident last Thursday that severed an artery in my right leg,” Roller said. “I was transported to a trauma center and when I didn’t come home, my dog went looking for me.

“The zip ties were so tight that his back left leg had to be amputated in order to save his life,” she said. “Someone intentionally tortured and mutilated him. His foot was black and the size of a softball.”

Blazer was taken to Dr. Dennis Christman at the Kitsap Veterinary Hospital in Port Orchard, who performed the surgical removal of the leg and treated the other injured legs.

The family was informed the cost of the surgery would be approximately $3,000.

“We covered the first half because I sold my wedding band and my computer,” Roller said. “We had no idea how we were going to pay for the second half of the $3,000 and the costs associated with follow-up care.”

The rollers didn’t have to wonder long, as an avalanche of community support took care of the remaining $1,500 and calls were still coming in with people wanting to donate.

Supporters from as far away as Atlanta and Massachusetts were calling to donate, as were as local residents.

“My dog Paco wanted to stop by and donate $20 to Blazer,” said Robert Heay, a resident of Port Orchard. “It is a beautiful thing that the community has come out and helped this family. We love Port Orchard because of that.”

Pasado’s Safe Haven in Sultan is offering a $5,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of the person(s) responsible for attaching zip ties to the legs of a dog which later resulted in amputation.

“This act of heinous animal cruelty to a beloved family dog “Blazer” happened in Port Orchard,” said Pasado’s Amber Chenoweth. “If you have any information regarding this cowardly act, please contact the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (800) 222-8477, all tips will remain anonymous.”

An account has been set up at Kitsap Bank for donations.

For questions or for more information on how to make a donation, contact Kitsap Bank at (360) 874-1063 and reference David T. Roller.

“I am so grateful to everyone who has come forward to help us and Blazer,” said Roller. “We could not have done this without their help. Thank you.”