Scrappy

by Noretta Frick, HSNTx Office Manager

The first things you notice are her wagging tail and affectionate eyes. She is almost smiling at you for just stopping by her kennel to talk to her. She struggles to get to her feet and slowly approaches the gate, hoping to receive a gentle touch from human contact. You stick a finger through the fence to softly stroke her waiting nose and wonder how in the world this 5-month-old chocolate Labrador mix could ever love a human again. But aren?t dogs supposed to love people?Well, look a little closer?

The pup?s front paw pads are raw and scabby in places. Upon closer scrutiny, most of the claws are missing. Both back paws have large open wounds, exposing muscle and bone. There appears to be healed wounds on the hip and inner thigh areas. She has a mending abrasion running across the width of her abdomen. Her long tail has been broken at some point, leaving it permanently kinked. She was picked up by an animal control officer who found her aimlessly limping across a Longview city street and brought her to the shelter.

We can only speculate what has happened to this dog. Her injuries are consistent with those of an animal who has been dragged behind a vehicle. Was she intentionally tortured or the unfortunate victim of a tragic accident? (After all, many people tie their dogs in truck beds mistakenly thinking they are securing the animal for safer transport.) Did she manage to escape from abusers or did she learn the consquences of jumping from a moving vehicle? Was she secretly dumped on the side of the road like unwanted garbage or did the rope that tied her to the moving vehicle finally break and the driver was never aware? We have more questions than answers, but one thing is for certain: this sweet pup has suffered a lot in her young life.

Nicknamed ?Scrappy? for her indelible spirit, the pup was taken to Judson Road Animal Hospital for a thorough examination and treatment. They confirmed our suspicions of the cause of her injuries and estimated they occurred as much as 10 days prior. They prescribed two types of antibiotics in an attempt to minimize the chance of infection setting in where the bones are exposed. Daily hydrotherapy baths were also recommended to rinse away bacteria and keep the wounds clean. It will take about three weeks of medication and therapy for her to regain full mobility.

Throughout it all, Scrappy has never resisted or hesitated to trust her handlers and maintains her remarkably mild-mannered temperament. If having a good attitude could cure her, she would be in great shape in no time. She walks nicely on a leash and is well on her way to being housetrained with a little more training. A loving home is needed for this special dog to provide continued care while she recovers and plenty of attention and affection after. In return, Scrappy will spend her life proving what unconditional love really means.

For adoption information or to report animal abuse, please contact the Humane Society of Northeast Texas at 903-297-2170 or visit 303 Enterprise Street in Longview.