Local Dog's Recovery Shows What Community Support Can Do for Pet Owners in Crisis

A local dog named Blue is recovering after a violent attack left him severely injured and his family facing a decision no pet owner wants to make. In late May, a loose neighborhood dog jumped the fence into Blue's backyard and attacked him and his canine companion. Blue's fellow dog didn't survive.

Blue's wounds were severe enough that his family thought they'd have to put him down. They couldn't afford the emergency treatment he needed. That's when Animal Samaritans stepped in.

 The nonprofit's Animal Care Fund helps qualified, low-income families cover veterinary costs when they can't pay out of pocket. Staff there told the family they could save Blue's life, and since then, he's been into the clinic 14 times for ongoing treatment, with more visits still ahead.

Dr. Rick Klomhaus, Animal Samaritans' Chief Medical Officer, has been overseeing Blue's care. He said the wounds were serious enough that recovery will take time. "Due to the severity and the degree of the wounds that we have present, it's going to be an ongoing case that will involve wound management for many weeks before the wounds can finally be closed," Klomhaus said.

Blue is getting stronger with every visit. His wounds are healing, and his energy is coming back. 

Anyone wanting to help Blue finish his recovery, or support other pets facing emergencies like his, can donate at animalsamaritans.org/blue. Any donations beyond what Blue's treatment costs will stay in the Animal Care Fund to help other pets in need.