Hurt hound hobbles into hospital |
|||||
By Bev Davis/Register-Herald senior Editor
The black lab mixed breed, apparently hit by a car about 10:30 p.m. on the Fourth of July, limped up to the sliding glass doors at the front of Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital. The canine triggered the automatic sensors and sought help in the hallway between Admissions and the pharmacy. "It's the darndest thing," said B-ARH Marketing Director Ted Weigel. "The dog limped in and laid down where people could see it. It seemed to know exactly where to go for help." Although the unlucky pup couldn't provide proof of insurance, the staff couldn't find it in their hearts to turn him away. "There's no way they were going to put an injured animal back on the street. The staff gave it some water and called administrative personnel who told them to find a veterinarian to come and pick up the dog, and that B-ARH would foot the bill," Weigel said. Dr. Roger Ward was the vet on call at the Beckley Veterinary Hospital. He went to pick up the dog. "It isn't unusual to see injuries on holiday weekends, especially on the Fourth of July. Dogs especially are afraid of fireworks and a lot of times they run away and get hit by a car," Ward said. There's no telling how this dog was hurt, but some of his injuries are consistent with those of colliding with a vehicle. "It has some road burns and scrapes," Ward observed, "but it has some type of penetrating trauma that caused a puncture wound in the front carpal joint, which is comparable to a human's wrist area." The wound had become infected, causing the dog to limp. "When I first saw the dog, I thought it had a broken leg, but there's a hole there that's more consistent with something like an animal bite," Ward said. The dog is being treated for hook worms and ear mites and will be neutered before it leaves the hospital. Ward said the male dog is about 7 years old, weighs 45 pounds and is mild-tempered. "He is incredibly calm and patient. He has a wonderful temperament. He's very gentle and he's been easy to treat," Ward said. The vet and B-ARH officials hope to find either the dog's owner or a home for the pooch. "If we can find its owner, the dog can leave the hospital today. If not, we hope he will find a good home soon," Ward said. - E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com |
