Do you know a special needs child who could benefit from life-long canine buddy?
The Veterinary Center at Fishhawk and the Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation announced they are canvassing the local community for a family with a special needs child to benefit from a black labrador puppy named Joy.
Joy’s situation is just as unique as the family she will go to.
Last week a good samaritan found the young, female dog roaming the streets. She was covered in gasoline and in severe pain from a badly broken leg. Joy was rushed to the VCF in Lithia. The VCF staff suspected Joy may have been abused and possibly struck by a car.
The VCF team was able to initially stabilize the broken leg but quickly realized the break was so severe that amputation was considered. Any hope of saving the leg would require the services of a highly-talented and skilled orthopedic surgeon.
The team also considered Joy’s age, she’s about a year old, and her extremely joyful and remarkable disposition throughout the ordeal.
So, the team decided against amputation and instead decided to take a chance to help Joy. The VCF contacted Doctor Callum Hay, Veterinary Surgical Specialists, who is considered one of the best board-certified orthopedic specialists in the area.
After consulting with the VCF team, Hay agreed to take the case.
On Feb. 14 Joy was picked up from Hay’s veterinary surgical center and transported back to the VCF clinic to recover and receive additional medical care. Doctors say she will be on cage rest for about four
weeks but is doing well and getting better every day.
VCF provided Joy’s medical services for free and Hay substantially reduced the costs of his services. However the remaining costs for Joy’s urgery and recovery were expected to exceed several thousand dollars.
Remarkably, VCF clients heard about Joy’s situation and came to her rescue. They donated enough money to cover all of her expenses to ensure she could get well and bring joy to a special child.
To help with this endeavor, the Bark Busters Home Dog Training team has joined the effort. They have agreed to provide quality training to Joy to make her the perfect dog for the child and family who adopt this special girl.
“Joy is simply a wonderful dog and she should be shared with a special child,” said Don Thompson, Executive Director, Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation.
Do you know a family?
If you know of a physically or intellectually challenged child in the local area that would like Joy as a companion please contact the VCF by email at contactus@vcfishhawk.com or call the VCF clinic at 813/681-9080. All submissions will be considered by the VCF staff.
About VCF
The Veterinary Center at Fishhawk, 5484 Lithia Pinecrest Road, Lithia, Florida is just one of over 40 local professional veterinary hospitals which support the mission of the Hillsborough Animal Health Foundation.
The HAHF is celebrating 27 years of public service and advocacy for responsible pet ownership. It was founded in 1987 by a community-minded group of Hillsborough County veterinarians to foster the
human/animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership, improved pet health and pet care through an emphasis on pet owner education. For more information, visit www.hahf.org or contact us at info@hahf.org.