Highland Veterinary Clinic
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From the Evansville Courier & Press Fund for injured animals in need By Jonathan Lintner Originally published 09:27 p.m.,June 8, 2011 The stray, unnamed dog was hit by a car in March, causing nerve damage that left its back legs paralyzed but tail still wagging. But that was months ago, before she lifted herself off her side to walk, run and play again. It’s no wonder they named the dog Hope. Randy Hea “You see, I’m not a full-blooded dog or a pretty, pretty dog,” the letter says. “But I have lots of love to give andI keep hoping.” Courtesy Another Chance For Animals of Evansville This dog named Hope was helped by the Spirit Medical Fund. Hope was hit by a car in March, and nerve damage caused paralysis in her back legs. The dog has since been able to walk and play again but doesn't have an owner. Inside the Highland Veterinary Clinic, 6805 Darmstadt Road, sits a jar for donations to the fund. Molly Welch,veterinary technician, said that while the clinic contributes, that’s trumped by time. Dr. Gregg Gormley asks only that supplies and medications be paid for by the Spirit Medical Fund. Welch said that helps many dogs that otherwise would go untreated. Gormley, for instance,X-rayed Hope at the clinic and diagnosed her nerve damage in March. “They now have a chance,” said Welch, who has noticed the kill ratio for dogs in Evansville shelters decreased since the fund was established in 2001. “A town our size really deserves a good program,” she added. “I don’t think any single payer could afford to take care of all these animals on their own.” Head said any sick or injured dog inherited by animal control is taken to the vet to be evaluated. If treatments are within reason, money is taken from the Spirit Medical Fund to offset costs.Some dogs — such as those that would require amputations — have to be euthanized. The more money that’s donated to the fund, the more dogs can be helped. Head said Animal Care & Control puts on fund-raisers, as the organization did last weekend, but that they also take checks and cash donations. “We just have to bank on people giving us five bucks here, 10 bucks there,” Head said. There’s hoping going on by more than just the dogs at animal control these days. Head has seen other dogs adopted while Hope is left behind. Although the dog overcame paralysis and escaped being euthanized months ago, she’s at risk again unless claimed by a new owner. “She’s become special because she overcame so much,” Head said. “She’d wag her tail so hard she’d just knock herself flat, but she finally made it up. It just pulls at your heart strings.” © 2011 Scripps Newspaper Group — Online
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d of Animal Control gave Hope a voice in a letter titled “A Dog’s Story,” which documents Hope’s recovery since she was hit by a car on March 9. Now Hope just needs a home —“someone who will love me for me.”