X-rays Reveal Health-Compromised Orphan Pup Received Multiple Gunshot Wounds Before Rescue…
(When medical staff at Helen Woodward Animal center did an x-ray to check on Cooper’s heartworm condition, they were shocked to discover multiple buck shots)
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2018) – A year ago this month, Hurricane Harvey hit the Houston area, devastating lives including those of orphan pets. The tragic day had one positive outcome, a lasting partnership between Helen Woodward Animal Center and several Texas shelters. Today, the Center celebrates over 345 orphan pets transferred from the Lone Star State to Rancho Santa Fe. One such orphan pet, a pup named Cooper diagnosed with heartworm, was hiding another more tragic part of his past. His story reminds Center staff why these efforts are so crucial and how deserving these pets really are.
Cooper, a sweet 1 ½ -year-old cattle dog/terrier blend, arrived at the Center by van in early July from the Montgomery County Animal Shelter (MCAS), outside of Houston. The transport to San Diego (along with approximately 20 other orphan pets) was part of the Center’s ongoing mission to assist with the lasting effects of the 2017 hurricane. MCAS had neared crisis point with over 1,600 available orphan dogs and cats. The large influx of homeless animals continues to rise as individuals still struggling to rebuild can no longer afford their pets, often abandoning them to the streets where the prevalence of unneutered and unspayed animals is leading to an overwhelming number of homeless litters.
You can help Cooper and other orphan pets like him.
Cooper arrived at MCAS very skinny. He was a mellow boy whose sweet and shy demeanor won over the hearts of shelter staff. He tested positive for heartworm (a challenging and expensive condition to cure) and the Texas shelter asked Helen Woodward Animal Center to consider providing him the healthcare he needed and the chance he deserved. The beloved pup was seen off by MCAS staff as he embarked on his journey to California.
Helen Woodward Animal Center staffers were charmed by Cooper too. His gentle tail wag and encouraging head nudges let everyone know he was ready for a new start, with no indication of aggression or anger at humankind. But when medical staff at the Center did x-rays to check on the severity of his Cooper’s heartworm, they were shocked to discover more than seven white glowing objects in his chest, sides and back; buck shots.
It is unclear whether Cooper was shot on various occasions or whether it happened at one time. What is not unclear is that Cooper’s past was one of cruelty and abuse. Despite this, he remained open to the possibility of loving, trusting and forgiving. The discovery moved Center Operations Director Jennifer Shorey, who made a quick decision.
“I knew I needed to open my home and foster Cooper on his long journey and treatment ahead,” she said.
Cooper’s sleep patterns gave a better indication of his previous life. When he first arrived at Shorey’s home, the pup was so unsure of himself, he would close his eyes and sleep sitting up. There, he joined two other dog siblings who slowly provided him the friendship and guidance he needed to learn to relax and feel safe. Over the last few weeks, Cooper has gained confidence and has a newfound pep in his step. He is finally able to rest assured he’s being cared for.
“It is amazing to watch Cooper’s transformation each and every day,” Shorey explained. “It moves me and makes me so proud that we are continuing to reach out and help these Texas orphan pets even a year later.”
While Cooper is already making strides, his road to recovery will be long. Treating heartworm in dogs takes months of diligent care and costly medications. Donations can help Cooper receive all the care he needs and will provide Helen Woodward Animal Center the ability to bring more Texas pets in need to the west coast to find their forever homes.
Your donation helps Cooper in his recovery and other pets like Cooper who deserve to be cared for in a loving home. Go to www.animalcenter.org/helpcooper to create a better life for Cooper.
UPDATE (Week of Sept. 3) – Cooper has begun his treatment for heartworm and will spend the next several months resting as part of his ongoing medical care. His favorite pastimes include naps on his back and showing his affectionate side.