What
You Don't See in the Rear View
It
was one of the colder winter days in Kentucky when a high-kill
shelter director was making her way to work. On the side of the road
she noticed a small dog lying in a ditch; it had obviously been hit
by a car. The dog made no attempt of movement or wiggling and as many
animal lovers would do I am quite sure that she cringed and her heart
hurt a little bit. For the next four days she would drive by this
lifeless body. On the fourth day she noticed that the dog had began
to move. Panicked, she pulled over to help. The dog was taken into
the shelter where, as discovered was a he, would lie for another five
days without vet care; as the shelter is ran by the county and can't
afford such amenities as emergency vet care.
Now
for those that believe in a higher power, or divine intervention,
karma, or what have you, a rescue spontaneously dropped by to view
the shelter for the first time that same week. The rescue, Homeward
Bound Canine Rescue & Rehabilitation, had been assisting a local
man with a large number of dogs and it just so happened that the
director decided to stop in the high kill shelter on this very cold,
Kentucky day. The director and another volunteer spoke with the
shelter director and she immediately showed them the small dog that
had been left on the side of the road. Not really knowing what could
be done, the rescue decided to take the little dog with them and at
least provide him with some much needed vet care.
Imagine,
not eating, not drinking, and being very sick for such a long period
of time. Most of us can't imagine that because we live in a first
world country with comfort at our very finger tips. There is this in
addition to living in a state where animal laws are practically non
existent. Where animal shelters are not there to actually help save
and provide shelter for animals but to take them in and then discard
them like a piece of trash. Are you sad yet? Are you cringing at the
thoughts yet?
So
the dog made his way to another county in Southeastern Kentucky. It
was clear that he had a leg injury so that was the first thing he was
checked for. The leg would require 6-8 weeks of restricted activity,
not that he was at all active, and was given pain medication to help
him stay comfortable. After another couple of days, volunteers
noticed that the little dog was not eating, not drinking, and
wouldn't take his pain medication regardless of what yummy treat it
was hidden inside of.
For
the sake of time and argument, lets say that faith stepped in yet
again. One of the rescue volunteers decided to take this little guy
home into foster. (Without fosters we in the animal rescue world
wouldn't able to continue our efforts. Fosters make such a difference
in the life of rescue pets.) After another x-ray it was revealed that
this poor fella, who would later be named Tater, also had a broken
jaw; thus, his reluctance to food and water. A feeding tube was
inserted to help him get the nourishment he needed as well as liquid
pain medication.
After
almost a year, Tater is still a part of Homeward Bound Canine Rescue.
He is still with his foster parents, whom he loves dearly, and is
living out his life one day at a time there. His foster mom noticed
that he had many quirks while being in her care. And to anyone that
meets him, he can seem a bit off at times. There are days where he's
up running and playing and then there are days where he wants to
sleep all day. After further examination the rescue learned that
Tater had also suffered from a small break in his neck as well as
other broken bones throughout his body. He also has fluid on his
little brain which contributes to his quirkiness. And though he does
not suffer from seizures, the vet is certain that those will come
with time. In fact, the veterinarian said that he had never, in all
of his experience known of a dog to suffer so much and still survive.
So
what is his happy ever after? Well, Tater is seeing what it is like
to be cared for a loved despite having health issues. He will remain
a permanent member of Homeward Bound Rescue and in the care of his
foster home for the rest of his life, as long or short as that may
be. He receives medication on a regular basis to help with his
discomfort and headaches. Furthermore, he is spoiled rotten with toys
and a clothing collection that is larger than most humans.
This
is Tater's story but sadly, he is only one of many animals that are
hit by motor vehicles and then left for dead. What you don't see in
the rear view is the pain and suffering that most animals like this
endure while dying alone. What you don't see in the rear view are the
people that almost wreck trying to swerve and then pull over to help.
What you don't see are the tears that rescuers cry when we have to
consent to have the animal euthanize d because her back is broken and
she paralyzed. No, many stories like Taters don't have happy endings.
Many dogs like Tater never find a way off that lonely road or out of
that cold, wet ditch.
We
believe that Tater's story deserves to be told; as an honor to him
and in remembrance of all those that have been left behind. It is
also in our hopes that Tater's story will inspire us and teach us
that we should always stop, turn around, double check. We are here to
coexist with these animals, to ensure their safety when they cannot
do it for themselves, and to show a little compassion now and then.
Tater is a special little dog, a living tribute to the dangers of the
world to those that are so small and helpless. Help Tater and dogs
like him by sharing his story and by doing more than just looking
through the rear view.
