Whatever It Takes

Nala in the waiting room of the emergency vet

While the majority of the dogs in our adoption program are transported from Texas and Alabama, we regularly encounter local dogs who need our help. If circumstances permit us to take in a surrender, once a dog has entered our custody, we will do whatever it takes to help the dog. This was the case at the tail end of 2019 when we met Nala, a 7-week-old puppy who had been seriously injured in an accidental fall. The family was not able to meet Nala’s needs and surrendered her in hopes that she would recover and go on to find a forever home.

Our executive director spent New Year’s Eve in the emergency room at Veterinary Medical Center of CNY waiting to find out the extent of Nala’s injuries. X-rays showed multiple breaks and fractures in her back legs that would require surgical repair. Fortunately, her spine was not affected, and her pelvis was intact. Furthermore, despite the trauma and injuries, she was behaving like any normal boisterous puppy, which was a great sign. It was clear Nala was a fighter with a strong will to survive.

Nala being tended to by her amazing nurse

Nala spent the next several days at VMC so she could be monitored and medicated for pain leading up to surgery. We shared her story on our Facebook page and were overwhelmed with the support shown for this precious little girl. Facing an estimated vet bill of up to $10,000 for her diagnostics, monitoring, and surgery, we remain extremely grateful to everyone who chipped in to generously cover the majority of her medical expenses. Nala caught a break in that the surgical team was able to set both of her legs during the same procedure, which saved her from the stress of undergoing a second surgery. After a couple days of post-surgical observation at VMC, she was discharged back into our care.

We are blessed to have dedicated volunteers who will open their homes to our dogs in unusual circumstances such as this one. Nala was nursed back to health by a loving volunteer and his family (humans and canines alike) that provided lots of TLC over the next 6 weeks. They also provided close supervision, as Nala had to be confined and wear a surgical cone to ensure she did not run, jump, or do anything to impede healing from surgery. She enjoyed the comforts of her own pack-n-play and was waited on paw and paw.

Nala staying put so her legs could heal after surgery

When little Nala stopped by HHDR for a visit in mid-January, we were blown away by how well she was hobbling around after relearning to walk. At the end of January 2020, new X-rays showed she was healing nicely. She completed her “rehab” stay in mid-February and moved in to her new digs at HHDR to complete her recovery and start looking for her new forever family. Our new puppy kennel area provided a clean, comfortable living quarters. Nala is as cute as can be despite the fur still growing back on her back end. She stole the hearts of many and not surprisingly was quickly adopted. She now has two loving parents and a child and another dog to play with.

Sweet Nala says thank you all for your love and support!

We are so happy that Nala’s story had a happy ending. It truly takes a village. Together we can accomplish so much. We wish to express our sincere thanks to everyone involved, from Veterinary Medical Center of CNY, the volunteer who fostered Nala, her new family, and of course all who donated. We appreciate your support.