Homeward Bound Rescue

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.