January 20th, 2000

I picked my husband up for lunch around 1 p.m. on tuesday. During lunch he told me about the dog. I took Jeff back to work and as we pulled in he said "there he is".

A small cocker spaniel mixed dog wondered into the place where my husband works. The employees tried to feed the poor dog but he wouldn't or couldn't eat. He was coughing and having trouble breathing.

The little dog was sitting in the grass. Jeff got out of the car to go back to work. I got out also. Jeff asked with a half grin on his face "what are you doing?" I walked toward the dog. Jeff said "no". I ignored him and picked up the sick dog. This little guy did not respond, no tell wagging, nothing.

I could tell he was having trouble breathing. I took him to my veternarian to find out what the problem was. I explained to Dr. James that I didn't have much money and that the dog had wondered into my husband's work place.

Dr. James agreed to help the poor animal. He wouldn't know what was causing the coughing and heavy breathing until tests were run and x-rays were taken. I told him I could only give him $25 towards the bill that day. He refered me to the Animal Welfare League, and I called them. They agreed to pay $60 which was the maximum amount that they could give per animal.

After x-rays and blood tests were done, Dr. James showed me the x-rays. The dog had been shot and the small calibur bullet was still in him!

The reason for the coughing was blood in the lungs caused by internal bleeding, from the trauma. The Doctor gave him medication to cause the blood to clot. He wanted to keep the animal overnight and told me to check back in the morning to see if the med.s worked, and what the options would be.

I went back on wednesday. During the night they had to give him a blood transfusion. I am happy to report that the little guy was breathing much better and was no longer coughing. I have decided to call the little dog "Lucky". It is amazing that after all that he went through, he was still walking around. Lucky was more alert but still seemed to be uncomfortable. They wanted to keep an eye on Lucky and told me to come back thursday.

I went back this morning. Wow what a difference there was! Lucky was wagging his tail and breathing even better. Dr. James let me take him home, but told me to keep a close watch on him, and to confine him. He wants to see Lucky again in a week. Lucky got his rabies shots and other vaccinations today also.

I don't know why some people choose to be so cruel to animals. If the dog was unwanted why didn't they just pick up the phone and call the animal control department? That would have been the humane thing to do. If everyone would spay/neuter their pets this kind of thing wouldn't be happening. Unfortunately ignorance and cruelty are a way of life for many.

*Update 1-22-00*
IMOM.org has put Lucky's story on their "Animals in Need" page.

Thanks IMOM!

*Update*
February 5, 2000

Lucky has stolen our hearts. He is here to stay. Lucky has adopted me! No getting out of it now....I'm his!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read Lucky's story.
This page will be updated weekly.

March 11,

"Looks like I'm one of the guys!"

This is a prayer for little paws

All up and down the land,

Driven away, no friendly voice

Never an outstretched hand.

For weary paws of little beasts

Torn and stained with red,

And never a home and never a rest,

Till little beasts are dead.

Oh God of homeless things look down

And try to ease the way

Of all the little weary paws

That walk the world today.

Anonymous

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(This page was created on January 20th, 2000.)


July 16, 2000

Lucky has been with us now for six months, and he now has his forever home! We love Lucky dearly.
I will be updating this page with new pictures of Lucky.