My career as a licensed vet tech has seen many injured dogs. Although emergency medicine allows you to meet many furry friends in dire need, one particular incident touched my heart.
About five years ago, I entered my position at the animal shelter and was ready to begin a regular shift. A tiny puppy, with multiple wounds, was sitting across the room from me on the treatment table. She had just come back from a traumatic night.
I was able to take the puppy on my own because the technician who was treating her had several patients. It still shocks me to see the small puncture wounds on her body. She was so strong considering all that she had experienced. As I learnt more about her case I realized how desperate this poor dog was.
Two large dogs attacked the injured puppy and she was described as being tossed around like a rag doll. The owner was eager to show her puppy off to her friends, and she set her down with her two adult dogs. The owner didn’t understand proper canine introduction and was shocked when the dogs attacked the puppy.
The 6-week-old puppy was facing certain death if we didn’t act fast, and her owner was unable to understand the gravity of the situation. Her owner was not old enough for her to bring the pet into our home, but she wasn’t old enough to know what kind of care this puppy would need.
She was diagnosed with a variety of serious injuries after multiple diagnostics. She suffered multiple broken ribs and fractured her femur. Her trauma left her stunned. She had a long road ahead of her, even if she survived the trauma.
The puppy’s young owner realized she couldn’t give her the care she needed and wanted to keep her as a pet. At this point, I became extremely invested in this puppy’s care and offered to take her in as my own. My life began with this wonderful puppy when she was quickly transferred to my care.
Our long journey to recovery began after Ellie was lovingly named. I say “our” due to the struggles I was facing at the time, as I had some healing to do in my life as well. Ellie came into me just as I was starting to recover from my addiction and helped me get through the most difficult task I’d ever face.
Ellie required an FHO, a form of hip replacement, external fixators in the femur and a hospital stay for shock. Although the treatment was tedious and time-consuming, it was well worth it. Eight weeks later her fixators were removed, and she is now the playful puppy she wanted to be.
Ellie was the best friend I could ask for. Through my most difficult times, sleepless nights, heartbreaks, and any other struggle in my sobriety journey, Ellie was always there to support me.
I am now five years sober and credit a lot to her love on my most difficult days. Ellie is my heart dog in every way possible, and I can’t imagine my life without her!
