Jackson Training - Advocacy

February 20, 2003

Until the right side of his head was rearranged by a motor vehicle; or a baseball bat, or a foot, or other man-made weapon of "mastiff-destruction."

Shelter Manager Erica Paul and I spotted him two days ago on a remote reservation…the people that allowed him to hang around said that he hadn't been able to eat in a long time. We left a card and asked a person to have the owner call us.

The call never came.

Today we went out and picked him up, not able to live with ourselves, knowing that there was something wrong with this pup. Knowing that no one cared enough to catch him and tend to his injuries.

Chico and Gary

The first day we saw him, he was not approachable. He stayed well out of reach. When we witnessed his difficulty eating, I decided to try and catch him, to have a closer look…He read my mind and disappeared like a ghost.

Today he was sound asleep in a shaft of warm sunlight. His sleep was so deep that he didn't open his eyes until he felt my rope drop over his head and neck.

He didn't jump. He just took a quick, shy look in my direction and went into a state of denial. Pretending that I wasn't watching him, hoping that I wasn't going to hurt him…

But, I did hurt him.

I should have known better. I should have just picked him up and carried him to the vehicle…but I didn't, I was worried about getting bitten and so did the safe thing and used the rope.

The rope, a device that this little forlorn Labrador cross had never experienced in his life. His instincts told him to fight it... and fight it he did, enough to start his wound bleeding and un-do any healing that had taken place…It was so sad and the injury so unexpected. Initially we thought there may be a stick wedged into his upper jaw or maybe something as gruesome as a fishhook stuck in his mouth…the injury we found was worse than either of us could have imagined.

A veterinarian has given us an estimated cost of $750.00 for thesurgery to piece him back together…with no Guarantees.

The injury is a double fracture of his lower jaw… the whole piece is broken and "floating" from the exact center of his lower jaw to the area that appears inflamed and bleeding.

Chico's Lower Jaw

On top of his surgery he will require follow-up visits or possible a second surgery if the first "cheap" one doesn't work. He could receive a plate that would essentially weld his lower jaw together…the problem is cost.

A plate would cost upward of $1500.00. I have never campaigned for a dogs life before. Not like this anyway. I can fix the ones that have emotional or behavior problems. But, I am at a loss in this case. He could make a terrific pet for someone, if we can only raise the money to provide him with his operation…

Our society, as a measure of self preservation has a limit of spending, far lower than this pup needs…

If you can help please click on the link below or Drop off your donation to the Cowichan and District SPCA and we'll give his guy a chance he couldn't have dreamt of a few days ago…Please Help. Thanks

Less than twenty-four hours after Chico made his début on this website his story has generated a never before seen, out pouring of sympathy and support.

At 10:00 p.m. Pacific Time last night, I posted Chico's story and emailed the people in my "address book" - those people in turn read the story, passed it on and the web grew. Within 10 minutes the first $100.00 donation had arrived!!!

At 8:00 a.m. this morning I received an email with a subject line that said "If you are near your computer - call me NOW!"

I called the number and instead of the tears of fear and sorrow that ran down my cheeks yesterday I tear-ed up with unbelieving gladness. The Angel on the phone said "We've got your email down here at the office and one of the staff says she'll cover his operation. We'll be down with a check for $1500.00 before 5 p.m. - GET HIM INTO THE VET!!! All she asks is five minutes alone with him or to see the bastard that did it go to jail!"

I'll don't know how I'm going to name everyone of you special people that have donated, I've asked for a list of names from the office…those of you wishing a tax receipt for donations over $25.00 will have it sent to you within the next little bit. You are so wonderful!!

We delivered Chico to the vet hospital at 12:00 p.m. His surgery began at around 4 p.m. I promise to post the results as soon as they are available.

Judy Meyers has offered to provide the intensive care fostering that he will require.

And thanks to all of you the directions to the Vet are to give him the best they can provide!

5:30 p.m.
I stopped by the vet hospital on my way home tonight...Pictures to come...warning! they won't be for the queasy! But CHICO is doing great!!! He will likely need another surgery to polish things up but that day is down the road...Stay tuned. A fund raising total is in the making too!

I visited Chico tonight in the hospital, he is very heavily drugged and being fed through a feeding tube.

He wags his tail whenever anyone comes into his run...He has at least two "Posts" sticking out of his jaw on the right side and a bar running between the two stabilizing the whole affair. I didn't get a really close look he was happy just to lay with his head on the floor and I figured "you earned it buddy - you just rest as much as you want."

Thanks to modern drugs, he doesn't have a clue about what is really going on. He can drink water from a bowl but the Doc. doesn't want him eating anything just yet.

Watch for pictures on Monday Sorry they are taking so long. We are holding a clinic this weekend so we're staying pretty close to home...Thanks for the terrific support every one...I want to create a "donors" list and thank you to put up here...as the list goes up watch for you name...I've asked all names to be forwarded to me - but I don't want to leave anyone out - email me if you don't see your name once the list is up.

Chico's pinned jaw is looking pretty good and straight...Thanks to Dr. Arnold Wiren. The feeding tube sticks out of the throat (that's the red colored thing just below his ear). Judy has to feed him every 2 or 3 hours during the day - small amounts frequently.

Chico has bonded so well with Judy he won't let her out of his sight...She told me she can't leave the livingroom and make it to the kitchen without him tagging along....Here are just a few of you that have helped Chico out with donations and prayers:Zig Reders (Fastest response 10 minutes after email was sent - Thanks Zig you set the pace!!)

The Grand total for the first 12 hours, once all the cheques get in, will be well in excess of ...$3000.00 Canadian!!!! This all started from one address book - And you guys spread the word like a wild fire!!!!! I can't say thanks enough!Just goes to show that there are some very good people in this world. If you don't see your name yet...please be patient...I haven't received the list of names from the days following last Friday.

Chico stopped by today after his visit to the vet. Arnie says that he's doing fine and he would like to see him try eating!! Chico thought that was a good idea - especially after his foster mom worried him for pilfering a pita!!!

Wow!! Huge day for Chico. Judy tells me he has had his feeding tube removed. He is eating solid food and is part of the Meyers' Pack - they chased the cat around the house, until the cat had enough, and Chico was the first one back on the porch! He spent a good part of the day lounging in the sunshine on the deck and from the sounds of it spent the day as most of us would like to - Laying around and hanging out.

I'm off to Courtney and the Tree of Life Veterinary Clinic for the weekend, to teach an Animal Connect clinic. I think for brevity's sake, I'll archive this last week and start on "week two" when I get back...

Chico, is showing signs of having a "negative" association with his name email your choice for a new name and we'll anounce the winner next Friday...click here to cast your vote