LAKEPORT — A dog found seriously malnourished recently in a Lakeport home is recovering quickly thanks to some tender loving care.
Hero, a German shepherd, was discovered in a private home late last month after an anonymous caller warned authorities of the animal”s condition.
Animal Care and Control Officer Nehemiah White removed the dog from the home and took him to Wasson Memorial Veterinary Clinic, where he continues to be treated.
Hero now walks more normally and weighs in at 71.5 pounds — he was roughly 60 pounds, or half the normal weight of a full-grown German shepherd when he was found.
He also has found a new friend in White, who visits with Hero as much as his busy schedule will allow.
“We are going to keep Hero here at Wasson Memorial as long as possible,” said Paula Werner, Animal Care and Control program manager. “We are currently accepting applications for his adoption.”
After what he”s been through, not just any home will do for Hero. “Hero needs someone to spoil him and, ideally, he should be the only dog in the household,” Werner added.
When asked about the process of adoption Werner said, “If applicants say they have a vet we call the vet, sometimes we call to verify employment and basically we check everything. We ask where they will keep the dog inside or outside. We are very committed.”
However, regarding Hero”s immediate future, Werner added, “We don”t know how long we need to maintain custody of him.”
White said he is pursuing prosecution of Hero”s former owner, adding, “No court dates for Hero”s abuser have yet been set.”
White expects to receive a report by today from treating veterinarian Dr. Chris Holmes regarding Hero; then, he said, he will file both his and Dr. Holmes” report with the district attorney.
“Food is the biggest part of his recovery,” Holmes stated, “but we are still treating him for mange and a bacterial infection and yeast infections as well. We pulled about 10 to 15 more foxtails out of his feet and his legs this past weekend.”
Holmes indicated that Hero also had been brought to Wasson Memorial for treatment in February of 2003 with the same problems — foxtails in all four feet and a skin infection.
At that time, Hero weighed 82 pounds, Holmes reported.
So far Wasson Memorial has received approximately $680 in donations to help with Hero”s recovery.
“Most of the donations we have received have been in the amount of $20 or $25, so I think people just want to help with whatever they can give,” said Wasson”s head receptionist Jamie Sills.
On Wednesday, Sills sent out thank you letters to all the people who made donations.
However, donations are still being accepted in Hero”s behalf.
Wasson”s head technician, Lisa Risch, is taking charge of Hero”s treatment, which includes medicated baths, mange treatment and administering antibiotics. Anyone wanting to get an update on Hero”s recovery can call Risch at 263-5380.
Contact Cynthia Davis at cdavis@record-bee.com.
