Lacy has a great attitude now that she is free from her life at the end of a tether. It's hard to imagine what she must have been feeling and thinking with a tether wrapped around her leg and no one to help her. She had not been fed properly and you could see all of her ribs and backbone. When I was told about her by Heard County Animal Control, I asked them to send me a picture so I could see what we were dealing with. I was shocked to see how bad her leg was and knew it was critical that she get to a vet immediately before the infection killed her. I asked Mary (our wonderful volunteer) to set up a Chip In account so we could hopefully get enough donations to pay for the surgery. I immediately started calling local vets which I thought could help her but they all wanted over 1000 dollars to even consider it. I knew Commerce Animal Hospital would give us a better price so I called them next. Dr. Phillips called me back within an hour and said he would do it for half of his normal charge and to bring her the next day. Whew! That was a huge relief and the donations were pouring in for her. I could see that we were going to be able to help her if she could just hold on through the night. 
I arrived at the shelter early the next morning so we could make the 2 1/2 hour drive to the hospital. When I met her I was even more shocked to see how bad her leg really was and there was no chance of saving it. She was covered in ticks and looked very frail but her tail was wagging non-stop. That was a good sign because as with people when facing major surgery, it is important to have a good attitude. When we arrived at the hospital they were ready and waiting for her. She didn't meet a stranger in the reception area and when they came to get her, I kissed her good-bye and told her I'd be back. We had hoped the surgery would be done that day but Dr. Phillips had two emergencies that were more critical than Lacy so she had to wait another day. They felt she was stable enough and could make it until the next day. I received a call from the hospital after her surgery and they reported that Lacy was doing great but should stay in the hospital until Monday to make sure she was stable.
I could hardly wait until Monday so I could go get her and she could start her recovery in a loving foster home. I called the hospital first thing and they said she was ready to go. We were on the road within an hour and arrived to pick her up by noon. She came out with her tail wagging and she knew we had come to take her home. Dogs always know when they are being helped even if they go through a traumatic surgery like Lacy had. She was excited when she first got in the car but quickly laid down on the fluffy comforter we had put in the back for her. She slept for almost the entire trip and seemed content.
I could hardly wait until Monday so I could go get her and she could start her recovery in a loving foster home. I called the hospital first thing and they said she was ready to go. We were on the road within an hour and arrived to pick her up by noon. She came out with her tail wagging and she knew we had come to take her home. Dogs always know when they are being helped even if they go through a traumatic surgery like Lacy had. She was excited when she first got in the car but quickly laid down on the fluffy comforter we had put in the back for her. She slept for almost the entire trip and seemed content. When she arrived at my house to pick up a few supplies before going to her foster home, she met my husband Buddy. You can see from the pictures they were instantly bonded!
We made the last 20 minute drive to her foster home and she got to meet all of her new four legged friends. She wasn't sure what to think at first but within an hour she was ready to play. Unfortunately, we can't let her do that right now but once her sutures are removed she will be able to play, play play!
Lacy is young and this will be an easier adjustment for her than it would be for an older dog. She already has the balance figured out and that's half the battle. She will go on to live a long happy life and will never be tied up again.
Lacy is just one example of what happens to dogs that are tied out and left on their own in the world. She was just a pup and was probably excited about something which caused her to get caught up in the tether. There are many dogs that never get the freedom that she has now although she lost her leg to gain her freedom. Dogs that are chained their whole lives, live a life of hell. You can see it on their faces, the defeat, the pain and the wanting for someone to love them enough to let them be free.
We are committed to our relationship with Coalition to Unchain Dogs so we can be a part of the solution for these helpless dogs. I encourage you to volunteer or donate to them. We must all work to stop this brutal practice.
http://www.unchaindogs.net/
Michelle
UPDATE: Lacy has been adopted by Coalition to Unchain Dogs volunteer, Ed! We are so happy! Lacy will have a foster brother and sister and all the toys and treats she could ever want. Such a happy ending!
UPDATE: Lacy has been adopted by Coalition to Unchain Dogs volunteer, Ed! We are so happy! Lacy will have a foster brother and sister and all the toys and treats she could ever want. Such a happy ending!
