Meet Sadie Ann

What would you do if you saw an injured dog lying by the side of the road? Would you just keep driving, ignoring her obviously struggling body and hope that someone else would do the kind deed and stop? Would you pretend you didn’t see her with her sad eyes, asking for help? Or would you stop?

Dr. Genorah Warner of Skyland Animal Hospital did just this on the way to work early one Saturday morning. It was raining and she glanced over and saw something moving and obviously in distress on the side of the road. Once she got closer, she realized it was a dog that had most likely been hit by a car. Being a Veterinarian, she always has some blankets and at least one leash in her car so she pulled over to try to help the critter out.

She was obviously down in her back end, unable to walk on her own, and she was cold, wet and scared. The dog offered a few grumbled growls to Dr. Warner as she lifted her up into her car and placed her gently on some blankets. Obviously in pain, the injured pup seemed grateful to find some warmth in the blankets and the kind soul that actually stopped to help her, almost as though she knew that she was safe- for now.

Once at the hospital, Dr. Warner and her techs provided the dog with some pain management and antibiotics. We could visibly see that she had extensive wounds on her belly and right rear leg and that her pelvis was most likely broken. Upon scanning her for a microchip, we learned that she didn’t have one. The only form of identification she had was in the form of an old rabies tag from the humane alliance placed on her collar. She stayed through the weekend where we continued to offer her care until we were able to find her owners and get permission to perform more extensive procedures.

The following Monday, we learned that the dog and her housemate had been staying with a family member while her owner was out of town caring for her sick mother. The dogs had dug out of the fence and had been missing since the previous Wednesday. The housemate had also been hit and had many more extensive injuries. We learned that he had been euthanized only days before. They seemed thrilled to learn that their other dog, whose name we learned is Sadie Ann, had been found and was seemingly doing OK in the good hands of people who were growing to love her.

That morning, we sedated Sadie and performed hip and rear leg radiographs. We soon learned that she has a broken pelvis, split precisely in two, multiple fractures in her right hock and perhaps some internal injuries as well. We then learned that the surgery to prepare such injuries could cost anywhere from $1500-2000, not including after care or medications to help keep her comfortable. This kind of situation makes working in the veterinary field that much harder. Upon telling the owner this, the owners were given the option to either have the surgery done or euthanize. At this point, we couldn’t be certain of any other possible internal injuries that could minimize the time Sadie had with us. It was possible that the surgery would be performed and she still wouldn’t survive. The owner decided to give Sadie a chance and told us she would try to save up the money to have Sadie fixed.

Sadie came to us on December 14, 2013. Since then, she has been on pain management and antibiotics to treat her external wounds which have since healed. We have performed several radiographs and applied a splint to her left hock to help her get around better. She has had several bandage changes as well and she has also been heartworm and fecal tested. It also appears that her internal injuries weren’t as significant as what we had originally feared. She is able to use the bathroom on her own and she is now able to walk, sometimes jog, on her own, using her splinted leg to get traction and balance herself while walking and getting around the office. She has still not had any form of surgery, but she needs it in order to ensure a better quality of life.

She now also needs a new home. The previous owners have decided that they can no longer provide her with the extensive care that she needs both financially and mentally. It has been an emotional roller coaster for us all who have fallen in love with this sweet soul as we each have taken the time to care for her and keep her comfortable.

This is where you come in. We have set up a fund to “Please save Sadie”. To find out more information, please call Skyland Animal Hospital at (828)252-8644 or come on by and meet our sweet new friend who has taken up a space up front to help greet our clients as they come in each day.

We have coined the phrase “Miracle Dog” to this lovable, kind pup who has fought for her life daily since the moment Dr. Warner found her struggling by the side of the road. Each day she greets us with doggy kisses and a wagging tail, seemingly unaware that there is anything wrong with her. She’s a fighter and a huge inspiration to us all. Sadie has managed to touch the heart of each person she has encountered, providing love and comfort as only a dog can. Her story is a success that has just a little bit further to go. 

We ask you to please help save or friend Sadie. After all, it’s the least we can do since in a small way, she’s helped save us all here at Skyland Animal Hospital. We thank you for your love and support- and Sadie thanks you too.

Mary Will