Bright-eyed, long-haired Chihuahua Hope has been through a lot for a dog of her size. At just 2 years old, she was found by Cyndi Taack - board member of the Helping Every Animal League, better known as H.E.A.L. - without hind feet. Dr. Paul Small, a veterinarian at the San Bernadino Animal Shelter where Hope was dropped off on March 2nd, believes that she may have chewed them off to escape a trap, or else she may have been struck by a vehicle.
After a visit to an orthopedic surgeon, it was determined that what remained of Hope's back legs had atrophied to the point where a minimal amputation would lead to more and more expensive surgeries as the bone, without enough fat and muscle tissue to cushion it, slowly wore through the skin. The prognosis seemed bleak. That's when H.E.A.L. and dog mobility organization Doggon' Wheels stepped in.
H.E.A.L., a charitable organization dedicated to raising money to improve conditions at San Bernadino Animal Shelter, generously donated the $3000 for Hope's initial surgery and assumed the responsibility for her future medical costs and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, Doggon' Wheels, a company specializing in providing mobility to animals who have lost the use of their rear legs, offered to donate a cart to keep Hope moving during her recovery.
Thanks to the selflessness and dedication of everyone who came together for Hope, she emerged from surgery on April 6th with most of her left leg intact, enabling her to balance when not using her cart. Two days later, she was awake and alert and ready to join Cyndi Taack and the rest of her new family at home!
The Millan Foundation celebrates the work of H.E.A.L. (celebrating their first anniversary this May!), Doggon' Wheels, Cyndi Taack, Sharon Blechinger, Lori and all of the caring men and women who came to Hope's rescue. Keep up the great work!
For more information on H.E.A.L., and to donate to help shoulder the cost of Hope's medical expenses, visit: http://www.friendsofheal.org/
For information on Doggon' Wheels, and the important work they do for injured dogs' self-esteem, visit: http://www.doggon.com
- Stephen Grossman
