Nick's Bright Future

The young couple entered the lobby at Dakin on a busy Saturday afternoon, their four-year-old pug/beagle mix, Nick, wrapped in a blanket, cradled in their arms. Nick, they explained, needed help. A couple of days earlier, he had jumped out of his person’s arms, then started to limp. His left rear leg was clearly bothering him, and he couldn’t put any weight on it when walking. The next day, the couple spent hours calling several animal hospitals about treatment, only to realize that they wouldn’t be able to afford the appointment cost, never mind the fee, to treat Nick’s injury, which is a scenario that is becoming too familiar for people with pets.

Despite their deep love for the wiggly dog with the warm eyes, with heavy hearts they decided to surrender him to Dakin because they didn’t want him to suffer. They borrowed a car to drive him nearly an hour to get here. Like many pet parents facing this situation, they were willing to let their beloved pet go in order for him to get a chance to be treated, an utterly selfless act.

Amid the bustle in the lobby that day, our team members quickly convened to work out a plan that would ensure that Nick would be treated, then returned to his family. Veterinary technician Lorie Benware and Dr. Liz Helton tended to his most immediate needs; providing pain management and taking x-rays that confirmed the break in his leg that would require amputation. Thanks to teamwork that involved multiple departments at Dakin, we were able to control Nick’s pain until surgery time became available.

Nick’s procedure took place soon after (he was also neutered), thanks to a special fund that allows dogs like him to stay with their families. Nick sailed through the surgery and recovered quickly, learning to move around on three legs like a pro. In no time he was back home with his people, and a littermate, who he had never been away from before. It was a joyous reunion. By keeping Nick with his family, we were able to preserve their loving human/pet bond, while freeing up space in our shelter to help another animal in need.

When our team can come together to keep a family together, our work truly becomes a privilege. Your support of Dakin creates wonderful moments like these every day.