Sparky's Page 3

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Sparky's Story

Sparky is a one year old, 28-pound Terrier mix. He’s cute as a button, and very sweet, which makes it all the harder to believe that a human would intentionally inflict such horrific injuries on a helpless dog. Sparky was tied to the bumper of a truck dragged by his leash. He survived when his head miraculously came out of the collar, and he was picked up by horrified passers-by who took him to Animal Control.

Sparky was taken to a veterinary clinic where he received immediate attention for his massive abrasions, many open to the bone and muscle. The pads on all four feet were gone, as were his toenails and the tops of his feet. All four paws were covered with bandages that needed to be changed twice a week. Fortunately, Sparky was given anesthesia so he didn’t feel the pain. In some areas, staples were used to hold the skin together over open wounds. In other areas, the skin was gone and he had gaping wounds for months, many of which were weeping and badly infected.

Sparky had a pain patch to help manage the dreadful throbbing, and massive doses of antibiotics to control infection. To ensure his survival, the doctors at Paces Ferry Veterinary Hospital took over Sparky’s care. The staff was incredulous to discover that Sparky wanted to walk, wag his tail and show interest in the world while in such dire pain.

During his entire recovery, Sparky was in limbo - happy to be alive while cheating death - due to the massive risk of infection overtaking his young tiny body. Sparky required months to heal and that recovery incurred enormous medical bills, totaling thousands of dollars. His caregivers and everyone at Atlanta Pet Rescue was pulling for him, but it was the public who pulled him through, as notes, calls and donations poured into our shelter, all inquiring about Sparky's progress and providing the thousands of dollars required to pay for his care.

Eventually, Sparky made a full recovery and was adopted into a loving home where he lives a happy and peaceful life with his Min Pin brother, Rocky, and devoted father, Chip. Sparky's plight has taught all of us not to give up hope and to keep fighting to save and improve the lives of animals who seemingly have little chance of survival. With your support, hundreds more animals like Sparky will find the medical care they need and loving homes they deserve. Won’t you donate now to help save their precious lives?

Click here to donate to Sparky's Fund.

Sparky is so good at keeping in touch! Here is a note and photos from him on his 2nd anniversary. We love you Sparky! (and Sparky's dad, Chip too!)

Click here to read an article about the one year anniversary of Sparky's Story. (July 2008)

Here are some photos of Sparky: (June 2008)