All of us who care about animals love hearing that an animal who once went through tragedy now has a loving home where they are cherished. These stories are what give us hope. And that’s the story of Nash.
One morning last spring, a resident of Old West Lawrence walked out of his front door and found a severely injured shepherd in his front yard. Horrified by the discovery and worried about the dog’s condition, the gentleman tried to get help for the dog who was unable to stand and covered in blood. Unfortunately, calls for help to Animal Control and the Police went unanswered. Once Lawrence Humane staff learned about the dog from concerned citizens, staff activated a plan to help. Although shelter staff are not contracted to respond to calls in the field in the City of Lawrence during normal business hours, the dog’s dire need for medical care, coupled with significant concerns about the ability to safely move the animal without causing significant pain, compelled staff to act quickly.
Lawrence Humane Animal Services Manager, Tia, and Shelter Veterinarian, Dr. Jenny, went to the property, sedated the shepherd in the field, and brought him back to Lawrence Humane. The dog, who was ultimately named “Nash,” spent most of that first day in surgery as our veterinary team worked to control the bleeding from his most significant injuries. The following day, our medical team took Nash back into surgery to address the remaining wounds on his legs, underside, chest and torso. Nash’s legs and feet had – by far – suffered the worst trauma. Our veterinarians worked for hours to close wounds on his legs that were so deep that bone was exposed. Other wounds, like the deep abrasions on all four of his paw pads, required routine cleaning and antibiotics. And comprehensive x-rays showed that Nash had fractured toes in all four feet. He required a detailed pain management plan and lots of time to heal.
Not only did Nash’s physical wounds need to heal, but so did his emotional ones. When he first came into our care, Nash was snapping and growling – he was in pain and anticipated more pain with every movement. But with lots of medical care, an appropriate level of pain management, and lots of patience and kindness from Lawrence Humane staff and volunteers, Nash began to relax and enjoy simple pleasures like gentle pets and belly rubs. And we LOVED getting to know the real Nash! We discovered that Nash was sassy, curious, friendly, and very much enjoyed being loved on.
Nash’s healing journey was a long one – he spent several months recovering at Lawrence Humane. His physical wounds healed, he began to trust people again, and he got to the point where he could go on walks! So the time came to find Nash a forever home that would love and spoil him in all the ways that he deserved…and he hit the jackpot! Nash was adopted by a family who fell head over heels for him, and the feeling was clearly mutual as Nash ran straight into his new dad’s arms when they first met!
In honor of Nash, a generous Lawrence Humane supporter has offered to match all gifts made between now and April 30, up to $10,000! This means that your donation will be doubled and will go twice as far in helping us make sure that we can help dogs like Nash. Would you be willing to give an amount that is meaningful to you at this time?
These days, Nash is living his best life on the beach in Florida. He has two Husky sisters, two parents who adore him, and he’s paying it forward by being an excellent foster brother to the family’s foster dogs. But none of that would have been possible without our community’s support.
Nash’s perfect ending is everything that we could have ever wanted for a dog that endured so much, and none of it would have been possible without the support of our incredible community. From the very beginning when the residents of Old West Lawrence covered Nash in blankets and his finder did all he could to get Nash help, to the many people who generously donated to help cover Nash’s extensive medical expenses, to the folks who checked on him and brought him treats, and to the Lawrence Humane volunteers and staff who provided the best possible care for Nash every day for months….from the moment he was discovered on that lawn, Nash never again wanted for a friend, food, love, or care.
We have an opportunity to double your gift, so will you please join us in helping dogs like Nash heal from the tragedies that befall them and find their loving forever homes?
We are so grateful for your support! We could not help dogs like Nash without you and all of us at Lawrence Humane feel thankful every day for our caring, supportive community. Thank you for all you do for the animals of Douglas County!
Pet Resource Center: 9am-6pm, every day
1805 E. 19th Street
Lawrence, KS 66046
(785) 843-6835
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