It's All About Hope!

Hope is wearing a t-shirt to protect her skin

Something bad had happened to the jet-black dog with the soft brown eyes. She was brought to the shelter by the Ark City Police Service Officer in October; her hair matted and full of stickers. The condition of her fur wasn't the worst of her problems though; the Labrador retriever mix also suffered from road rash and a broken hind leg. The dog had been hit by a car and needed help!

Shelter staff immediately took the dog in and named her Hope--hope is what they had for her. Hope was examined by Dr. Grimes, who was filling in at the shelter clinic while shelter vet Dr. Gatton was on vacation. Dr. Grimes determined that the broken leg had to be amputated. The surgery was successful, and Hope went home with staff member Amy Kopfer to recuperate and be fostered. 

The leg healed well, but after a few days at Amy's house, large patches of skin started coming off of Hope's side and leg. Alarmed, Amy took Hope to Dr. Grimes, who consulted with Dr. Swaim, a retired veterinary wound specialist living in Cowley County. Dr. Swaim thought the skin was dying, because Hope might have been burned by a muffler or dragged during the accident. The only solution was removing the dead skin, so new skin could grow, and both doctors went to work.   Dr. Swaim, Judy, Hope, and Dr. Grimes at Dr. Grimes' clinic Judy and Melvin Thomas had just lost their dog and were still mourning. When Dr. Grimes told Judy about Hope and that she needed a home, Judy replied that they weren't ready yet for a new companion. She did agree to visit Hope, just to prove her point. One look into Hope's soulful eyes was all it took for Judy to change her mind. This dog wasn't going anywhere but home with her! Judy's husband Melvin, an amputee himself, was only too thrilled to welcome the three-legged dog into their family. The Thomas' signed up for the Foster to Adopt Program, and Hope is now being loved and cared for at their home, until she is fully rehabilitated and ready for adoption.  Judy and Melvin Thomas with Hope Hope's skin is growing back, she's getting around well on three legs, and best of all, she has a new furever family who loves her dearly just the way she is. This family will look forward with Hope! New skin is growing back; Hope is healing well!

Hope's life was saved due to the collaboration between the PSO, shelter staff, Drs. Grimes and Swaim, the Thomas', and you--our donors. A huge thank you to all of you!