Injured Dog Is Lucky For Attention

By Kendra Bobowick

He may not have a name yet, but he has a lot of help.

Roughly 6 to 8 months old, a lanky black lab with heavy paws forgot his injured hind leg as he scrambled to get out of his pen at the Mt Pleasant Hospital for Animals. Veterinary Technician Mary Simpson hurried to meet him. Quickly into her lap and nudging her for attention, the lab — lucky for the attention he received this week — bent his head back to lick her face. He had an old injury, said Dr Rock Vali, who watched the dog play with Ms Simpson. Surgery may help.

Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason brought the lab to the local veterinary hospital in late November, suspecting he may have been hit by a car.

“There’s a break, the leg was so limp, but he is such a sweet dog,” Ms Mason said.

After evaluating the dog, Dr Vali contacted mobile surgeon Dr Melvin Pond, and the two men discussed the dog’s options. Looking down at the playful lab on November 28, Dr Vali described the injury as “an old fracture.” The break had already started to mend

“The bone has started to remold and callous.” He believes the dog will need surgery. “Despite his lame leg, his appetite and energy are good,” he said.

In case of surgery, Dr Vali expects a quick recovery. “He’s a young dog, and with surgery done right he’ll be better than new.”

Ms Mason hopes to find him a home, at least a foster residence if the lab needs time to recuperate after surgery. Donations to the pounds will help with his veterinary bills, she said, remembering the community’s help with Pom Pom, the small Pomeranian found last summer in a commuter parking lot covered with burns. That dog, who now goes by the name Po, has recovered and has been adopted.

To contribute to the black lab’s recovery, Ms Mason suggests interested residents send donations to 3 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470.