8/14/2003:
I would like to share a heart-wrenching event that happened to me today. Janice
and I agreed we would meet at school this morning (Thursday, 8/13) to prepare
for the beginning of school. Driving to the bottom of our lane I discovered
a truly pathetic black dog standing right along the busy road. The hair was
completely gone from her back and tail. You could see her hipbones and spine
sticking up thru her skin and the most sorrowful pathetic soul searching brown
eyes full of tears. She was a black chow weighing about 20 lbs. Such a heartache
that made me cry. I coaxed her away from the road and went for food and water.
She was waiting patiently for me to return; as though she knew her suffering
was about to end.
I followed up on a lead for a missing black chow but it was a dead end. I
had initially contacted Deb O'shell's Wild Life Rescue but she was on vacation
and the sweet young lady who answered the phone wasn't able to help me. My
next step was, of course, the Humane Society. The vet checked her out and
advised if we left her she would be put down since there was little chance
of anyone claiming her and her health condition. Oh... those sorrow filled
brown eyes.
The shelter gave me a contact for a Chow rescue. I immediately called them.
I spoke with the most understanding young man and explained my problem. He
advised me his wife was in charge of it and would contact me later in the
evening. What to do, what to do.... as I was trying to come up with a solution
to this poor creatures dilemma, I received a phone call. It was the young
lady from the Chow rescue. She asked if I would wait, she would come immediately.
(Guardian Angel on overtime!). Three hours had now gone by, but time was of
no concern. After checking her over we decided she had to be seen by a vet
to see how ill she really was. Veterinary Hospital of Altoona on Chestnut
Ave agreed to see her right away. These super kids put their lives on hold
and joined in the rescue effort. She passed the heart worm test and Lime disease.
Great news. Now her skin problem, mange... a very bad case, along with a flea
infestation and being malnourished. The vet, a Dr Norris I think, was so very
kind to her. She was so patient and seemed to know how much we were trying
to help. Her treatment was going to be extensive, antibiotics, shaved completely;
medicinal baths twice a week, special lotion and a weekly shot. Along with
that she would have to be quarantined from other pets. There was not a doubt
in my mind about having her cared for. I said give her everything she needs.
Now for the biggest obstacle of all, finding a place to care for her. Where
do you keep an animal with all these problems but such loving big brown eyes.
Here comes her guardian angel again! In desperation, I decided to call Deb
O'shell rescue again. She had returned from her vacation just 20 minutes before
I called. As I tearfully explained what this precious little dog had endured,
she listened and said they really only accepted wildlife and injured animals.
Being a long time friend and also an incurable animal lover like my self,
she asked to talk to the vet. He explained what her care would entail. God
Bless Her, she said bring her over!!!! Who ever said God doesn't look out
for animals never met this one.
So many people to thank, the girl at the humane society who gave me the phone
number for Samantha and her husband from the Chow rescue. Their willingness
to drop everything and come immediately and then to stay with us. The Vet.
Hospital and the wonderful caring and compassionate staff who helped to make
her comfortable. They also gave me a break on her bill since she was a stray
and had worked with Samantha. Last but not least, Deb O'Shell for picking
up that phone and caring enough to say "Bring her in!!
Samantha took quite a few photos of this little wonder. She said we would
have to give her a name. She suggested HOPE. I said perfect. She certainly
never gave up. Hope has a long road ahead of her with a lot of discomfort.
She will have to remain with Deb for at least 6 weeks and will require lots
of TLC along with the treatments.
Please remember all those caring people who helped save Hope today in your
prayers and also for a healthy recovery for this special little dog. Our last
job will be to find a very special caring, loving home for her when she is
well enough to go to a new family..
Thanks for taking the time to read this and for caring,
Linda
Update 8/20/2003:
Sadly, she passed away on August 20th, 2003 due to heart failure and emaciation
from severe neglect, but this sweet girl has touched our hearts with her story.
In the words of Linda Noonan above. Hope was being cared for by Debbie O'Shell
and the wonderful people of the local wildlife rehabilitation center who worked
so hard to make Hope's last days comfortable and full of love.
Thanks so much for reading her story. May all of our rescues
find us in time...
Samantha Brase