Injured Puppy Needs Your Help

Recently, a four month old male German Shepherd mix puppy found by the side of the road in West Burlington was brought to the Bradford County Humane Society in Ulster. Injured, not able to stand, it seemed that it had been hit by a car and had broken its back legs. Immediately it was transported to Milan Vet Clinic to be examined and for x-rays to be taken. Upon clarification from the x-rays it was deemed that indeed, its two back legs were broken. It was recommended to BCHS that the puppy be sent to Colonial Animal Hospital in Ithaca, NY for specialized orthopedic surgery to place pins in its legs. Through all of this he wagged his tail, yawned and panted like a normal puppy would when greeting a human.

Photo: Blake before surgery.

Blake, the name given by BCHS staff, was then transported to Colonial Animal Hospital where more extensive x-rays would be taken along with pain medications and a thorough exam by a surgeon. Dennis E. Socha, DVM, Colonial Animal Hospital Surgeon, stated that Blake would need immediate surgery after a blood transfusion to correct the back broken legs. Upon further investigation of the x-rays it was determined that Blake's jaw had been broken as well. His jaw would not require surgery and would heal on its own in time.

Two separate surgeries took place to correct his back legs and his hips which were also found to be broken. During surgery it was found odd by the surgical staff that his bones seemed to have been broken at different times. When bones break and are not fixed immediately they grow back together on their own. X-rays also showed that ribs had been broken previously and were already healing on their own. The puppy was highly unlikely hit by a car, unless it had been hit two separate times, stated the surgical staff. It is not known what happened to Blake to cause his serious injuries. It is possible that animal abuse was involved.

Through all of this, Blake only wants to be loved. He has the heart of a lion and the forgiveness of a puppy. The entire team at Colonial has been rooting for him and always wants to check in on him and give him hugs and lots of belly rubs.

Photo: Blake after surgery with a muzzle on so his jaw can heal on its own.

“He gets stronger everyday. Each day he is able to take a few more steps and is able to make a full lap around our treatment area at this point before getting too tired. Many times I come in and someone is feeding him and he falls asleep in their laps,” states Sabrina Moore, LVT. Moore is the LVT Supervisor at Colonial Animal Hospital.

Blake will be staying at Colonial Animal Hospital until he is healed from his surgeries. He will be receiving physical therapy and the intensive care that he needs until he is ready to leave.

“I am so pleased with the entire staff at Colonial Animal Hospital. Dr. Socha has kept me up to date from day one with Blake’s care. We all want Blake to live the life that he deserves and so desperately wants,” states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director.

BCHS, a non profit organization, has paid for his extensive surgeries in excess of $3,000. BCHS relies on grants and public support for its funding.

If you would like to donate towards Blake’s vet bills, please send a check or money order to BCHS, PO Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850 ATTN: Blake.

If you think you have information regarding what may have happened to Blake call the BCHS Animal Cruelty Line at 570-888-4763.

To report possible animal cruelty, contact BCHS’s animal cruelty line at 570-888-4763.