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Stonecliff Pet Rescues Pet rescues are funded in part by SAD/SAC, the Save A Dog/Save A Cat program begun by concerned readers of the Caledonian Record, as well as The Vittum Fund and private donors. We're grateful for their support which allows us to rescue and provide care for abandoned and lost pets. Read on for stories about some of the pets we've rescued and restored to health. Our Foundling Kitten
The creature was a 2-3 week old kitten, dehydrated, emaciated, and near death. The medical staff quickly administered fluids and oxygen, warmed the small body in the ICU heated bed, and watched over it closely throughout the evening. By early evening the kitten was conscious and able to hold its head up. By the following morning the fluids were discontinued and it ate its first meal in the hospital. She has made a miraculous recovery and appears normal despite the ordeal this young baby has been through. We will never know what happened to her momma or the other kittens, but she has found a new extended family that jump at her every whim. She will need to stay in the hospital for a while longer, but none of the staff is complaining. Check back, we will keep you posted on the little kittens progress!! Puppy 'Prince' Rescued
The puppy was lying in a clump of grass under the overpass when they arrived. From a distance it was clear that the dog was extremely frightened, he warned them with a show of teeth. SAC staff anesthetized the injured dog and brought it back to the hospital for treatment. The dog, approximately 7 months old, was severely emaciated, dehydrated, with both front legs fractured. While still anesthetized, radiographs were taken and an intravenous catheter placed. Because of the degree of healing that had already occurred, Dr. Kelly predicted that the injuries were about 3 weeks old. The broken right leg had begun to heal on its own. The left radius and ulna were so badly displaced (bones not aligned) that he would need surgical repair in order for the leg to be used again. The bone was protruding from the skin, and infection had set in. We were beginning to understand the magnitude of this poor dog’s situation. Somehow it had managed to survive on its own with two fractured legs for about 3 weeks. This was a survivor. For the next few days “Prince” was nourished and re-hydrated. Antibiotics and pain relievers were used to keep him comfortable and fight off the infection. Staff members spent hours sitting outside of his kennel hoping to gain his trust. We all felt he was not a mean dog, just extremely frightened. Due to the nature of the injuries, medical staff postulated that Prince’s injuries were most likely of abuse nature. Had he been thrown from a car? After a few days, and lots of patience, Prince had begun to trust the staff. He spent his time around us as we worked. We kept him in a large pen in the treatment area so that he could get used to our movements. He gained confidence and rarely showed his original frightened state unless you approached him quickly. Dr. Kelly performed surgery on Prince to repair the fractures. A metal plate was attached to stabilize the bones. During recovery Prince’s attitude regressed. The disoriented state that comes about post-operatively seemed to create panic, he lashed out as if he was again fighting for his life. Lori, an Animal Assistant stuck closely to him despite his aggression, talking quietly and reassuringly. During that short period of recovery they seemed to bond together, and now Lori and Prince are best of buddies. Prince now lives with Lori and follows her like a shadow. He is healing, and walks on both legs with only a slight limp. Thanks to the generosity
of the Caledonia Record and the SAD SAC (Save a Dog, Save a Cat)
program this would probably not have the same happy ending. We
are so fortunate to have so many kind and generous people living
in our community. The Vittum Fund has also contributed to Prince’s
cause by providing funds for Prince to be neutered on September
20th. While anesthetized for surgery Dr. Kelly was able to evaluate
the healing on his legs, and develop a rehabilitation plan. He
will be re-radiographed in October to check the bone healing.
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On Tuesday, September 18th, a woman walked into the hospital with
a small creature in the palm of her hands. She explained she had
found it lying in a puddle of water next to her dumpster, a littermate
lay closeby having already succumbed. The woman handed the tiny,
lifeless body to our receptionist Sharon, and turned to leave.
She said she hoped we could help.
On August 31, 2007, a Vermont D.O.T. employee telephoned the hospital
to report that they had found an injured puppy under the I-91 overpass
in Bradford, Vermont. The caller warned that the dog was very aggressive
when approached so we should use caution. SAC medical staff headed
out to locate the victim and transport back to the hospital.