Rhino Poachers Beware

 

A Little Puppy called TROOPER

From the Facebook page of The Patrick Miracle:

 

**$2500 REWARD**

The Humane Society of Missouri is offering a reward for info leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for tethering a puppy to a truck last Wednesday, November 21. The puppy was dragged down Highway 55 in St. Louis. He was transported to HSMO for treatment of his severe injuries and has received emergency care since the incident. We'll have an update on the condition of the puppy, whom we have named Trooper, later this morning. Anyone with info should call 314-647-4400. Thank you for your help. Please share to help us find the parties responsible.

**Trooper Update**

Trooper is currently recovering at the Humane Society of Missouri after being dragged behind a truck last Wednesday. He is seriously wounded, but we do expect him to survive his injuries. He will lose one of his front legs and his recovery will take weeks upon months, but we're going to do everything it takes to help this sweet boy and make him comfortable. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and can be done securely through this link: http://member.hsmo.org/trooper. Thank you and we will keep you updated!

Have a Compassionate Holiday: Save a Turkey

Click on this link

 

 

Do a turkey a favor and have a vegetarian or vegan holiday celebration. For ethical and health reasons, vegetarians don't eat animals, including beef, poultry, pork, lamb, and fish). In addition to meat, vegans don't eat animal products like milk, eggs, and cheese, or any foods that contain these ingredients.

A plant-based vegan feast will do far less damage nutritionally than the traditional Thanksgiving meat-based meal, as it cuts out a good deal of fat, sodium and all of the cholesterol, since cholesterol is found only in animal foods. Best of all, serving a cruelty-free holiday dinner will honor the animals customarily used as ingredients - a gentler way to gather with loved ones in the spirit of giving thanks for our lives, health, and happiness.

Here are some tips to avoid ruffling feathers this holiday:

• Try a delicious "faux" turkey by checking out Gardien, Quorn, and Tofurkey products in your store's freezer section. Alternatively, update your main dish style with a stuffed squash, legume (beans, lentils), or nut roast.
• Make holiday gravy and stuffing using vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth.
• Soy and coconut milk (unsweetened) are great swaps for milk in your soup, mashed potato, pumpkin pie filling, cookie, and other baked goods recipes.
• Replace butter with margarine (Earth Balance has buttery spread and shortening versions) and eggs with egg replacer for your cooking and baking.
• Search online for seasonal recipes that offer compassionate alternatives to the conventional turkey dinner. You can find recipes for all your faves, including soups, breads, vegan stuffing, candied yams, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin and pecan pies - or simply "vegetarian holidays."

Adopt-A-Turkey Project

Twenty-five years ago, Farm Sanctuary, an organization that rescues mistreated, abused, and neglected farm animals, challenged the traditional Thanksgiving dinner with an event that celebrated and cultivated kindness, encouraging people to "adopt" turkeys instead of eating them. This "first Thanksgiving" has grown into an organized movement in which sponsorships help them rescue animals and provide care for them at their sanctuaries, as well as educate and advocate for farm animals everywhere.
Ellen DeGeneres, the national spokesperson for the project for the second year in a row shares,

"Did you know that every year between 250 and 300 million turkeys are bred for slaughter in the United States? More than 46 million for Thanksgiving alone. So, this Thanksgiving, instead of eating a turkey please join me in adopting one, from Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-A-Turkey Project and you can give a turkey something to be thankful for."

To save even more lives this year, you can adopt a turkey with a donation gift of $30 by visiting adoptaturkey.org or calling the Turkey Adoption Hotline at 1-888-SPONSOR. You will receive a certificate with a photo and details on your new turkey beneficiary. And for the ultimate cool, original holiday gift of compassion, you can adopt farm animals for your loved ones and yourself, including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, geese, turkeys, and chickens by visiting farmsanctuary.org/get_involved/aafa, email sponsorship@farmsanctuary.org, or phone 607-583-225 ext 225. Visit your new adoptee at the Watkins Glen, NY, or Orland, CA, shelters on your next vacation.

 

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/have-a-compassionate-holiday-save-a-turkey.html

 

Thandi the Rhino - 6 Months later

On the 2nd of March 2012 one cow and two bull rhino’s were poached at Kariega Game Reserve. Tragically, one bull was fatally wounded and died during the course of the night, whilst the remaining two were severely injured, but showed an incredible will to survive.

For 24 days wildlife veterinary expert, Doctor William Fowlds, worked tirelessly with the Kariega team to give these survivors the best possible care and chance for recovery. Their bravery was unbelievable, and inspired our rangers to nickname them Thandiswa and Themba, two Xhosa names meaning courage and hope.

Sadly Themba (HOPE) suffered a leg injury on the night he was poached and as a result of infection passed away on the morning of the 26 of March 2012.

Six months after their brutal attack, Thandi continues to inspire and amaze us with her incredible fighting strength and miraculous recovery.

Pit Bulls Saved By $1 Million Grant From PetSmart Charities

by Sharon Seltzer - July 31, 2012 - 3:44 pm

PetSmart Charities is doing their part to stop overcrowding in animal shelters and the senseless killing of two of the most euthanized pets across the country. They have awarded $1 million in grants for a nationwide spay and neuter campaign for pit bulls and cats.


The campaign called “Primp Your Pit” is being offered during August at 63 non-profit spay and neuter clinics in 30 states. The goal is to sterilize 6,750 pit bulls during the month.

The grant program, which hopes to reduce overcrowding in city animal shelters, offers spay and neuter surgeries for a special rate of $20, including a free nail trim.

PetSmart Charities reports that 35 percent of cats and dogs in U.S. households are not spayed or neutered. “Pit bulls, in particular, end up in shelters in large numbers due to the myths and negative media and public perceptions that are associated with the breed.”

“Our national grant program gives much-needed help to pit bull terriers that are especially at risk,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. “Through the ‘Primp Your Pit’ promotion and our ongoing efforts to make affordable spay/neuter surgeries available to the public, pet parents can prevent unwanted litters and ensure their pet lives a long, happy life.

Each year approximately 8 million pets end up in shelters and 4 million of them – about 11,000 a day – are euthanized. Many become homeless as a result of accidental litters from parents that are not fixed.

In February the grant program ran another campaign to sterilize cats, called “Beat the Heat.” It tried to spay and neuter cats before “kitten season” began in the spring. The effort was very successful and spayed and neutered 17,000 cats in one month.

Participating “Primp Your Pit” clinics are listed on the PetSmart Charities website.

PetSmart Charities was established in 1994 as a non-profit organization to create and support programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets.

A dog named Faith

This dog was born on Christmas Eve in the year 2002. He was born with 2 legs -
He of course could not walk when he was born. Even his mother did not want him.

His first owner also did not think that he could survive and he was thinking of 'putting him to sleep'.

But then, his present owner, Jude Stringfellow, met him and wanted to take care of him.

She became determined to teach and train this little dog to walk by himself.

She named him 'Faith'.

In the beginning, she put Faith on a surfboard to let him feel the movement.
Later she used peanut butter on a spoon as a lure and reward for him for standing up and jumping around.

Even the other dog at home encouraged him to walk.
Amazingly, only after 6 months, like a miracle,
Faith learned to balance on his hind legs and to jump to move forward.
After further training in the snow, he could now walk like a human being.

Faith loves to walk around now.

No matter where he goes, he attracts people to him.

He is fast becoming famous on the international scene and
has appeared on various newspapers and TV shows.

There is now a book entitled 'With a Little Faith' being published about him.
He was even considered to appear in one of Harry Potter movies.

His present owner Jude Stringfellew has given up her teaching post and plans to take him around the world
to preach that even without a perfect body, one can have a perfect soul'. 

In life there are always undesirable things, so in order to feel better you just need to look at life from another direction.

I hope this message will bring fresh new ways of thinking to everyone and that everyone will appreciate and be thankful for each beautiful day.
Faith is the continual demonstration of the strength and wonder of life.

Chloe, dog set on fire in Philadelphia, has died

UPDATE 6/26/12: - Some of you have asked how you can contribute to the reward fund for Chloe. If you would like to do so by phone, please call Lois at (215) 426-6300, ext. 217, on their website, or by sending a check to the PSPCA, 350 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia. PA 19134. Be sure to indicate that this donation is to go toward the reward money for Chloe.







Through tears, I write the heartbreaking news that Chloe, the dog who was deliberately set on fire in Philadelphia this weekend, has died from her injuries.

This comes from The Pennsylvania SPCA, who received word at about 9:35 p.m. tonight that Chloe died about an hour after being transferred to rescue for intensive care of her injuries.

Despite the valiant efforts by the PSPCA veterinary staff and Animal Alliance of NJ, Chloe was in great pain.

The PSPCA Humane Law Enforcement officers are still searching for the monster who did this to a defenseless dog. If you have any information, you are urged to call the PSPCA’s anti-cruelty hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. A $500 reward is being offered for the arrest of this sick individual.

Read the original story here, posted earlier today.

Rest in peace, sweet Chloe. So sorry your life had to end with such pain and suffering, but now you are free.

A day for Hope

Georgia, Monterion Dionte Davis pleaded guilty in front of the judge and jurors today before the trial of Hope could start. The evidence was so overwhelming Davis pleaded guilty on all counts of animal abuse.

The sentence was handed down, 5 years with a minimum of 2 years to be served, and Davis is not allowed to be around animals, Davis was led out of the Court in Handcuffs.

View slideshow:Davis pleads guilty

Davis was arrested July of last year after authorities investigated a dog that was brought in to a animal shelter that had nearly been decapitated.

Monroe County Sheriff John Cary Bittick said that this was the worst case of animal abuse he'd seen in his 29 years as sheriff.

Bittick said good detective work led them to Davis. He said Davis admitted to using an electrical cord to tie the dog now named Hope in the woods. The sheriff's office said Davis told investigators he left the dog to die.

The story of Hope


On July 7th 2011 Shane and his wife Janet Smith went to the local Shelter because Janet would rescue dogs for an animal advocacy group. Shane Smith stated “we went up to the kennels and I saw a dog sitting in the back of one of the stalls with a wire around her neck. She walked up to Janet and I and then sat back down because she was so weak.”

“I told Janet we were not leaving without that dog.” Smith went on to state “Janet called the president of the rescue group and was told, as I don’t ask for much, I can take her, but with the understanding that the rescue group’s regular donors were not to be asked for money to help the dog. Then the president said she would make the first donation to help.”

“Janet and I gently put her in the car and headed to the Caldwell Veterinary Hospital . On the way, Janet said we could name her Faith or Hope. I thought Hope was a perfect name. The veterinary staff was waiting for Hope when we arrived. The surgery to repair the damage to Hope’s neck was performed that night."

Dr. Butler Caldwell who preformed Hopes emergency surgery was amazed she was still alive.
"Most of the musculature in her neck and the trachea had been severed," said Dr. Caldwell. "Fortunately, the major arteries were not severed or the esophagus."

On July 26th of 2011 Hope took her last breath.

Smith stated “for 19 days we worked so hard from morning until past midnight to try to help her. I stayed with Hope until she was at peace. Hope’s urn is at home with us, where it will stay.”

Shane and Janet Smith made a promise to Hope before she died that they would find justice for her, and that is exactly what they did today.

Animal abusers that end up in court are rarely given prison sentences; most are given a fine and sent out to abuse again.

This was a day for Hope.


Also see:
http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/15394345/dog-nearly-decapitated-inspires-organization-to-save-more-animals

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Paws-for-HOPE-and-Faith/262968893737541

Hope The Dog Tortured With Blade, Had Mouth Taped Shut

The Huffington Post | By Andy Campbell Posted: 07/11/2012 4:35 pm Updated: 07/11/2012 4:41 pm


She was left on the side of the road with gashes up to five inches long covering her body. Her mouth was bound with electrical tape, causing her exposed tongue to swell. She was unable to eat, drink or pant for more than a day.

Miraculously, Hope the dog survived her horrific injuries and is recovering in a Texas veterinary clinic.

Now authorities need help finding her tormentor.

A compassionate citizen called Parker County Sheriff's deputies on Monday morning to report that an injured dog was wandering the streets near Weatherford, according to the sheriff's press release.

Animal control workers arrived to find the 3-year-old pug-mix breed stumbling, frightened and severely wounded.

Upon further inspection, they found that Hope's attacker had purposefully pulled her tongue out and taped her mouth shut. Her tongue grew to such an enormous size and sustained so much damage, vets almost needed to amputate it. The torturer also left five deep, bloody gashes on her body with some kind of blade, KTBC reported. It took 100 stitches to close all her wounds.

In Memory Of Lennox, Dog Put To Death For Resembling A Pit Bull

A determined 22-month long legal battle and a heartfelt social-media campaign for Lennox the dog came to a sad end on Wednesday. The 7-year-old dog was euthanized in Northern Ireland because his appearance resembled a pit bull terrier, a breed that is banned in the country.

 

 

 

A statement from the Belfast City Council said it had humanely destroyed “one of the most unpredictable and dangerous dogs” that its appointed expert had ever come across. The council said they carried out the court-ordered euthanasia for reasons of public safety and “a sustained campaign of abuse” against city officials from protestors.

Lennox’s story began two years ago when he was taken into custody because he looked like a pit bull dog. Pit bulls and pit bull mixes are outlawed in Britain.

Caroline Barnes, who owned Lennox, testified in court that her dog was a bull dog mix, not a pit bull terrier and that he had never bitten anyone. She asked the court to let her move Lennox outside of Northern Ireland in an area that did not have breed specific legislation. She wanted Lennox to come to a sanctuary in the United States.

News of Lennox’s case launched a massive online campaign by animal lovers in Britain and the U.S. to save the dog’s life. The commitment of tens of thousands of “Save Lennox” fans, LennoxArmy followers and Care2 petitioners continued during the entire 22-months he was imprisoned.

Barnes fought for her dog’s life in the court system until the very end. After nearly two years, Lennox’s fate was determined last month when an appeal was dismissed by Northern Ireland’s senior judges. The judges upheld two 2011 rulings to have Lennox euthanized.
Meanwhile Lennox endured the time at a municipal animal shelter in Belfast where employees claimed he was becoming more aggressive and unpredictable.

Councilman Pat McCarthy said, “The people looking after Lennox for the past two years said that one minute the dog was placid and friendly, and the next he would try to get through the fence to get at you.”

Perhaps Lennox was getting as frustrated with the legal process as the humans fighting for his life.

Victoria Stilwell, host of Animal Planet’s “It’s Me Or the Dog,” said “I hoped Belfast City Council would realize that there were alternatives that provided a sanctuary for Lennox in the USA where he would be safe, but they did not listen.”

On the final day Caroline Barnes and Lennox were refused the last shred of humanity that could have been given; Barnes was not allowed to be with her dog when he died.

A Facebook page for Lennox gave an “official statement” from the family: "We have been denied the opportunity to say goodbye. We have also been told that we cannot collect his body and bring Len home. We have been informed, however, that we will receive "some" ashes in the mail."

Rest In Peace, Lennox.

Puppy with horrific injuries discovered along road in Texas

Published on May 9, 2012
Link to article http://www.examiner.com/article/puppy-with-horrific-injuries-discovered-along-road-texas

Sometimes bad things happen to good dogs. Thankfully, sometimes those victimized dogs are discovered, and helped, by good people. A puppy named Bubba has encountered both.

According to Karen Holland, Rescue Director of Chance's Haven, 6-month-old Bubba was discovered along Main Street in Everman, Texas on May 5.

View slideshow:Bubba

Gilbert Salas, the animal control officer who discovered the puppy, quickly realized that something was terribly wrong and whisked the puppy to an emergency veterinary clinic. Here, Salas learned the horrible truth about what this puppy had endured.

According to the veterinarian, Bubba's wounds, which include a broken hip, three fractures to his rear legs and multiple bite wounds, are consistent with those of a bait dog.

It is believed that Bubba's legs were intentionally broken in order to render him immobile, making it easier for other dogs to attack him. Bubba's injuries were so severe that the emergency veterinarian recommended euthanasia.

But Bubba's story did not end at the clinic. Thankfully, his last moments alive were not shrouded by violence and unimaginable pain.

Instead, Chance's Haven, a 501(c)3 organization, was contacted and the rescue agreed to take on Bubba; despite the knowledge that doing so would come at a huge expense.
Yesterday, Bubba underwent surgery for his multiple fractures at an orthopedic specialist in Pilot Point, Texas. He is currently sporting multiple plates and screws in his legs, but overall, his prognosis is good.

Those who have learned about Bubba's horrific ordeal have been following his story closely on Facebook. Dozens have already contributed funds to help the rescue organization pay for Bubba's extensive surgery.

Unfortunately, though the amount raised so far is admirable, it falls short by thousands. Bubba has a long road ahead of him thanks to the cruelty of individuals mired in the ugly world of dog-fighting. Thankfully, he has landed in the arms of compassionate people who are working hard to undo the considerable wrongs that he has been forced to endure in his short life.

If you are interested in making a contribution towards Bubba's care, please click here.

Ashley Judd Funds Efforts to Save Abused Dog’s Life

Get out your hankies, folks, because this one is a tear-jerker.

Actress Ashley Judd is personally involved in the rehabilitation of a severely abused cockapoo named Walter — and despite her efforts, it’s not clear yet whether he’s going to make it.
Walter was not only starved by his previous owner (the emaciated dog weighs only 11 pounds, about half of what he should, considering that he’s five), but he was also thrown out of the window of a moving car.


He was rescued by Tennessee-based organization Snooty Giggles, who partnered with the Animalia Health and Wellness for Animals clinic to try and save his life. And that’s where Judd stepped in.
The actress heard about Walter’s plight and contacted both organizations. She not only volunteered to foot his medical bills, but she also visits Walter every day, emotionally supporting his recovery. Still, it might not be enough — Walter’s condition is very fragile.

“We are doing everything we can to help Walter. Ashley has been a huge support,” says Snooty Giggles’ Shawn Aswad.

“It’s almost unbearable,” Judd says. ”It certainly defies individual and collective humanity to know that, not just Walter, but a lot of animals, are treated this way.”

Despite his ordeal, Walter has a very sweet temperament and enjoys being around people and other dogs. Judd hopes that she might eventually foster Walter, but it will be a long time coming — she says Walter’s recovery will be a “very long journey.” However, she also notes that he clearly has a strong will to live, something that certainly works in his favor.


Walter’s progress is regularly documented at both the Snooty Giggles Facebook page, and Judd’s own Twitter account (she also tweets photos of him). The most recent updates state that there has been a slight downturn in his health, but the rescuers aren’t giving up.

“As roller coasters go….it’s going to be another up and down day for Walter. Over night he developed a bit of a cough and is definitely much weaker. His WBC count has gone back up a smidgeon (not surprising, but disappointing), his electrolytes remain balanced, which is key (and very impressive I must say….not an easy task for a vet team considering the circumstances). So….here we go again….lots of coffee and chocolate being circulated at Animalia Health and Wellness. I promise to give a mid-day report with pictures. Keep the love coming,” reports the Snooty Giggles page.

No matter what happens, Judd wants Walter’s story to be shared and hopes that it will serve as a lesson.

“This never should have happened to Walter, and through his story, we can make sure that it never happens to another animal again,” she says.

Here’s hoping for a happy ending.

Pitbull stolen from Kuils River, was found in George

English Translation at the bottom

GEORGE. – ’n Piekniekmandjie met tuisgebakte frikkadelle het gisteroggend hier gewag op ’n geliefde gesinshond wat meer as ’n week gelede onder verdagte omstandighede by haar huis in Kuilsrivier verdwyn het.

Die Roux-gesin het gisteroggend douvoordag van Kuilsrivier gery het om Nikita, ’n Amerikaanse veghondteef, op George te kom haal.

Inspekteurs van die Tuinroete-Dierebeskermingsvereniging (DBV) het Maandag in die agterplaas van ’n huis op Blanco op hul troeteldier beslag gelê.

“Dit was soos ’n dood in my huis,” het Riëtte Roux, ’n werknemer van Distell op Stellenbosch, gister in trane aan Die Burger gesê.

Nikita het twee Sondae gelede uit die Rouxs se agterplaas in Kuilsrivier verdwyn. Sedertdien is ’n grootskaalse veldtog van stapel gestuur om hul lieflinghond op te spoor.

’n Onbekende man het met sy flinke optrede gesorg dat die storie ’n gelukkige einde het. Hy is glo in die Kuilsrivier-gebied deur ’n onbekende jong man genader om Nikita te koop. Hy het egter dadelik die hond herken aan die hand van pamflette wat in die omgewing versprei is.

Die man het die registrasienommer van die vermeende verkoper se wit Toyota Tazz afgeskryf en die inligting oorgedra aan die Lucky Lucy-stigting, wie se nommer op die pamflet verskyn. Werknemers van die stigting kon sodoende ’n adres op Blanco opspoor.

“As dit nie vir hom was nie, het ons nou nog gesoek,” het Roux gesê.

Inspekteurs van die Tuinroete-DBV het Nikita in ’n kleinerige houthok van 1m by 2m in die huis se agterplaas gevind.

“Volgens die jong man se ouma wat tuis was, het hy Nikita ‘verniet’ in die Kaap gekry,” het Salomé Botha, hoofinspekteur, aan Die Burger gesê.

Botha het glo 20 minute lank probeer om die polisie te oortuig om haar na die perseel te vergesel. Sy het die inspeksie uiteindelik met die hulp van ’n kollega, André Baardman, gedoen.

“Ek dink hulle wou dalk met haar teel, sonder die wete dat sy reeds gesteriliseer is,” het Botha gesê.
“Gewoonlik word net Amerikaanse veghondreuns vir hondegevegte gebruik.”

Volgens Botha is ’n saak by die polisie op Kuilsrivier aanhangig gemaak en dit word tans ondersoek.

- Die Burger



English Translation

GEORGE. - Yesterday morning a picnic with homemade meatballs awaited a loved family dog ​​that disappeared more than a week ago under suspicious circumstances from her home in Kuils River.Yesterday morning at dawn, the Roux family of Kuils River drove to George to fetch Nikita, an American Pitbull.

Inspectors of the Garden Route SPCA (SPCA) seized their pet on Monday in the backyard of a house in Blanco, George.

A tearfull Celia Roux, an employee of Distell in Stellenbosch, told Die Burger yesterday, "It was like a death in my house"

Nikita disappeared two Sundays ago from Roux's backyard in Kuils River. Since then, a large-scale campaign was launched to track their beloved dog.

An unknown man with his quick actions ensured that the story had a happy end. He was approached in the Kuils River area by an unknown young man who tried to sell Nikita. However, he immediately recognized the dog by means of pamphlets being distributed in the area.

The man reported the registration number of the alleged seller's white Toyota Tazz, to the Lucky Lucy Foundation, whose number appears on the leaflet. Employees of the foundation thus found an address in Blanco.

"If not for him, we would still be looking," said Roux.

Inspectors of the Garden Route SPCA found Nikita in a small 1m by 2m doghouse in the backyard at the address.

"The young man's grandmother was home, he got Nikita 'free' in the Cape," Salome Botha, chief inspector, told Die Burger.

Botha spent for 20 minutes trying to convince the police to accompany her to the site. She eventually did the inspection with the assistance of a colleague, Andre Baardman.

"I think maybe they wanted to breed with her, without knowing that she has been sterilized," said Botha.

"Usually only American Pitbulls (males) are used for dog-fighting."

According to Botha the case was reported at the police station in Kuils River, and is being investigated.
- The Burger

KuilsRiver is between Cape Town and Paarl.
Distance from Cape Town to George is approximately 438 km (272 miles)

Nikita sure was a long way from home

Pit bull ban lifted: 1st pittie up for adoption

Weatherford, Texas: This beautiful girl is smiling from ear to ear. Until today, pit bulls were routinely put to sleep at the Weatherford shelter. Under a new ruling, exemplary pit bulls like this certified love bug will be put up for adoption at the Texas shelter outside Fort Worth.

The shelter fell under national criticism for their pit bull ordinance and just recently began an initiative to adopt pit bulls to the public. Rescuers and animal advocates networked hard to change shelter policy. Hopes are high for success to not only save lives, but to appeal to other kill shelters like the Houston SPCA that kills all dogs who look like pit bulls.


This lovely lady is up for adoption. She is smiling for so many reasons. To inquire about her and how to adopt, contact:
Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter
403 Hickory Lane
Weatherford, TX 76086
‪(817) 598-4111 or (817)598-1112
animals@weatherfordtx.gov


Cindy Marabito of Reunion Rescue writes the American Pit Bull Examiner stories to save lives. Every click on a story donates a small sum to the animals of Reunion Rescue.


Please subscribe to and keep reading the American Pit Bull column where this and other pit bull stories are followed and the truth, made known.


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Check out Pit Bulls and Other Animals blog.
Author - Pit Bull Nation
Pit Bull Nation is a tell all book about rescuing pit bulls from death row for over twelve years.


Now available in e-book and print.

http://www.amazon.com/Pit-Bull-Nation-Cindy-Marabito/dp/145388601X/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top/176-3101093-1955257

Pit Bull Struck by Freight Train While Pulling Owner Away from Tracks

May 8, 2012

Dr. Kiko Bracker of Angell Animal Medical Center tends to Lilly before her right front leg is amputated (credit: Angell Animal Medical Center)

BOSTON, May 8, 2012 – Just after midnight on May 3 the engineer of a westward-bound freight train witnessed an extraordinary scene as he barreled toward a railway crossing in Shirley, Mass.—a dog was frantically pulling an unconscious woman away from the tracks. The engineer made every attempt to stop the train but was unable to avoid striking 8-year-old Pit Bull Lilly before she could clear herself from the train’s wheels.

Lilly’s human companion was unharmed but the dog was not nearly as fortunate. The train’s wheels sliced through her right foot, fractured her pelvis in multiple locations and caused other internal injuries. Critically wounded, Lilly lay down next to her companion, who remained unconscious until help arrived.

Lilly Stays Calm Throughout Calamitous Scene

The train’s engineer later told first responders that he witnessed the dog pulling the woman—Christine Spain of Shirley—off the tracks as the train drew near. The engineer, who asked not to be identified, was convinced the train had struck both Christine and the dog, and realized only after stopping and rushing to their aid that Christine was unharmed but Lilly had suffered a catastrophic injury to her right front leg.

The engineer immediately called emergency services, who arrived to find Lilly standing guard over Christine, who had collapsed alongside the train tracks while walking home from a friend’s house. Lilly’s calm and composed demeanor—despite the wail of sirens, flashing lights and frantic din from first responders struggling to make sense of the scene—is all the more remarkable given her life-threatening injuries, which by now were bleeding profusely. A Shirley animal control officer immediately drove Lilly to an emergency animal hospital in Acton where Boston Police Officer David Lanteigne, who adopted the once shy and anxious dog five years ago from an animal shelter, recovered her and rushed to Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston.

David had adopted Lilly three years ago as a companion for Christine, his mother, who had suffered from alcoholism nearly her entire life. Lilly became the center of Christine’s universe—and Lilly’s presence provided Christine a comfort she had never known. Said David of the bond between the dog and his mother: “Lilly means the world to my mother, who doted on the dog from the moment she came to live with her. Lilly has also played a crucial role in helping my mom drastically reduce her drinking. Lilly’s recovery from this horrific ordeal is my top priority right now and I’ll do everything possible to get her back home to us.”

Upon arriving at Angell’s Emergency and Critical Care Unit, Dr. Alice D’Amore immediately took charge of Lilly’s care. The administration of sedatives and pain medicine calmed her enough to allow the veterinary team to determine the extent of her injuries, and plan for the emergency surgery and ongoing treatment she would require. Lilly’s right foot had been completely “de-gloved”—its skin, muscle and connective tissue torn clear away. Multiple fractures to her left pelvis were especially troubling because, should she survive surgery, she could be permanently unable to bear weight or walk without assistance.

Angell’s World-Renowned Surgery Team Tends to Lilly

The veterinary team concluded that Lilly’s right front leg could not be repaired and the only option would be to amputate the entire limb. Lilly braved this surgery on Saturday, May 5. After a short recovery she endured a second surgery to repair her pelvis and rear left leg—which is now supported with steel plates. Lilly’s life will never be the same as she will be unable to bear weight or walk without assistance for the first few months after her surgery. Still, the veterinary team at Angell is optimistic that the spirit she showed as she rescued Christine may be just the trait that sees her through this new phase of her life.

Said Dr. Meg Whalen, a staff criticalist at Angell’s Emergency and Critical Care unit: “As a 24/7 emergency care hospital it’s fair to say that we have ‘seen it all’ with respect to companion animal emergencies. However, Lilly’s selfless bravery has captured the hearts of our entire staff. Her injuries are very serious and her road to recovery will be long. But she’s got the character and spirit that sometimes trumps all of our medical advances when it comes to recovery. I think she’s got what it takes to get back to her former self.”

Donations Sought to Offset Lilly’s Care

Because of the severity of Lilly’s injuries and the extensive treatment she required, the MSPCA-Angell has provided financial aid through its Pet Care Assistance program to help cover the cost of Lilly’s care. In addition to supporting other MSPCA programs, Pet Care Assistance provides financial aid to families whose animals need emergency, intermediate and critical care at Angell. Readers who would like to donate to Pet Care Assistance can navigate to www.mspca.org/helplilly.

Hero Dog Challenges the Public’s Perception of Pit Bulls

At a time when Pit Bulls are maligned and erroneously stereotyped as violent or unfriendly, Lilly’s bravery is testimony to the true nature of these amazing dogs. Far from being aggressive, unfriendly or indifferent, Lilly is a bona fide hero and an ambassador for Pit Bulls everywhere. The MSPCA-Angell’s Advocacy, Law Enforcement and Adoption Center teams have worked for years to challenge the notion that Pit Bulls are innately dangerous. It is only recently that Pit Bulls have been cast erroneously as villains. At the height of the breed stature in the early 20^th century they were often seen as the most decorated heroes in the U.S. Lilly has demonstrated the unconditional love and loyalty that is a hallmark of Pit Bulls—and many, many other dogs as well.

Said Jean Weber, the MSPCA’s director of animal protection: “Lilly’s story has moved us all beyond measure. I hope her actions will underscore the truth about Pit Bulls—that they are amazing animals and are as devoted to their family as any other dog.”

Once Lilly fully recovers from her surgeries she will go home to live with David, his girlfriend and their two Golden Retrievers (whom Lilly adores). Christine has moved in with David to help with Lilly’s convalescence. Lilly’s recovery will be monitored regularly by the veterinary team at Angell to ensure she has every chance of returning to her former self.

For more information about Angell Animal Medical Center’s Emergency and Critical Care Services click here.

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Angell Animal Medical Center cares for more than 50,000 animals a year and is one of the most acclaimed veterinary practices in the country. Angell has 67 doctors and an experienced support staff who work as a team to ensure high quality general wellness, emergency and specialty care. With 31 board-certified specialists and technology that includes an MRI specifically designed for animals, Angell is committed to providing a broad range of specialized expertise and experience, but delivers this care with one-on-one compassion that animals and their owners deserve. Angell is open for emergencies 24 hours of every day of the year, and offers night and weekend appointments with our specialty services.

http://www.mspca.org/about-us/press-room/2012/pit-bull-struck-by-freight.html