Putting faith in Hope

Mon, 10/13/2008 - 18:04

This story is not on the wire. It is via an email received today about Hope, a Cocker Spaniel that has endured the worst of abuse - her back leg had been savagely cut off before she was brought to an animal shelter by children who said they "found" her. There is a more graphic picture, but it is not shown here - you can see the abuse in the picture here, but is is not a close up.

Economic times are really tough right now, but if each of us pitches in just a little bit, Hope can get better, know that all humans are not evil, and she can be on her way to recovery and a new home. I know we can do it.

UPDATE: Some potential doners were worried that this could be a hoax. It has some of the earmarks of one: a crushing, heart-wrenching story, a plea for money, and all sent via email. While each doner needs to do the due diligence necessary to feel comfortable when making a donation, we did some checks by calling the Loomis Basin Vet Hospital, checked out the Sacramento Independent Rescuers (url listed below) and did a Google search on Dr. Rick Frey. All checked out, and My Pet Street made a donation to Hope's medical expenses.

Connie

The full letter is here:

I got at call Friday around 5 PM in the evening from the coordinator of the dog rescue group I volunteer for. This beautiful young Cocker Spaniel was brought into the shelter in Manteca by children who claimed they "found" her. Her back left leg had been cut off at the point where we have a chin. The shelter had NO room for her so they were going to put her to sleep right away. A shelter worker begged to let her try and find a rescue group who would be willing to take her on and the medical bills associated with the amputation and her rehabilitation. Since there was literally NO room at the shelter they put her in the back of an Animal Control Officers truck and took pictures, emailed rescue groups and waited for some group who would agree to save her. The shelter worker thought this dog was so wonderful and sweet that she deserved to live and have another chance. Our group agreed to save her and I was asked if I could go get her and tr ansport her to our Vet in Sacramento which of course I immediately did.

All the way to Sacramento this sweet little girl did not cry, did not growl, did not scream out in pain. She just laid there in the passenger seat next to me nudging my hand to keep petting her on the head. The horrible smell of infection coming from this dog was suffocating and I had to roll the windows down to keep my head about me. I could hardly see to drive as my eyes kept welled with tears. Later we found out she also has double ear infections. The pain this dog must have been in would have been unbearable for us. At one point when I looked over at her she was looking up with the saddest eyes and I saw such a noble dignified face and my heart broke knowing that someone did this to her. She didn't deserve this.

When I got to the Vet they immediately took her back and evaluated her condition. That's when they told me she also had double ear infections. Immediately they put her on an IV with pain meds and antibiotics. Tomorrow she will have the surgery and the rest of the leg will be amputated. Most of you who know me know that I have 2, 3 legged dogs so I know they can get along fine. It's the between now and then that she will have to be brave, endure the pain, and then adjust to a 3 legged life.

Since I was the one who actually went and rescued her I got to name her. I named her Hope because I hope, we hope, everyone hopes that she will recover from this tragedy and live the rest of her life in a home where she will be loved and cared for by someone willing to adopt a 3 legged dog.

Our rescue group is of course non-profit. We don't have the $'s to pay for Hopes medical expenses so we have started a fund raiser on Firstgiving. This is the link http://www.firstgiving.com/save_hope Even if you can only afford $5 just anything that you can give will go directly to the Vet's caring for Hope. You could even give directly to the Vet which is Loomis Basin Vet Hospital in Rocklin, CA. Just say it's for Hope. Or also you can donate on our web site www.siarescuers.com . Your donations are tax deductible. Also, if you can, please forward this email to others you think would be willing to help us save Hope.

Login or register to post comments
Printer-friendly version