Injured and Confined to a Wheelchair, Betty, The San Antonio Dog Becomes National Symbol of Courage for Skeeter Foundation |
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By: ABC Posted: 2006-08-13 04:46:16 |
| Back in November of 2005, a two and half year old pregnant Miniature Pincher dog named Betty was a stray running the streets of San Antonio with another dog. Both dogs were hit by a car on the corner of Blanco Road & West Avenue, as the car sped away, one dog was dead at the scene and Betty was alone and critically injured in the middle of the street. Betty pulled herself from the roadway to the curb with a crushed and separated pelvis and no use of her rear legs. She lay on the curb in incredible pain and near death. An unknown caring woman stopped and rushed her into Churchill Veterinary Hospital & Dental Clinic located very near the accident site. Emergency treatment took place. At the time there was little hope that Betty would survive. After a long night of treatment and recovery, the next day, a miracle! Betty was up and around and making friends with the team of veterinarians and caregivers at the hospital in spite of obvious pain. The hospital team tried unsuccessfully to locate Betty’s family by placing ads in newspapers and checking all the local animal shelters. The team provided all needed care for Betty including on-going therapy and other significant veterinary needs. The team then undertook the difficult task of trying to find Betty a suitable home. Betty must use a specially designed (doggy) wheel chair to get around. While her long-term prognosis is good, still she needs special assistance to clear her bladder and bowls, several times a day. It has been a difficult search but after eight months of trying, Betty has a new home and also a new and special mission for her life. Today, Vicki Stephens, Executive Director of the Skeeter Foundation will spend her day on airplanes flying from Twin Falls Idaho to San Antonio and back that will take over sixteen hours and cover over 3,000 miles with multiple lay-overs in Salt Lake City and Denver before arriving in San Antonio to adopt Betty. According to Vicki Stephens, "Betty is a hero and a fantastic pet with a huge heart. She, like all pets is deserving of continued love, long-term care and support that will enhance the balance of her life. Betty will become a member of my family as well as becoming an important member of the Skeeter Foundation, Pets Not Pills team. In her new role, as a therapy pet she will visit nursing homes, hospice centers, hospitals and schools. Betty is so bright and smart and loving and we know that a loving visit by Betty will help folks in need. Betty is capable of an active and good life even with some of her challenges. This is the message Betty will give to others, especially children with physical disabilities." According to Lisa White, the primary care giver for Betty at Churchill Veterinary Hospital, "Betty has become a wonderful pet for our hospital team and also the families that visit us for care. We are going to miss Betty very much but we are delighted that The Skeeter Foundation has come through to assure the best possible life for this special dog. The bond and the value we all share with our pets is great and the work of The Skeeter Foundation is really important. Betty really has a special way about her that will make her a wonderful part of their therapy pet teams. This special adoption is such a great relief because we are assured of a great and meaningful life for Betty. All of us truly love her!" About The Skeeter Foundation: The primary goal of the Skeeter Foundation is to educate people and support programs that endorse the "Prescribe Pets, Not Pills" philosophy. Named in honor of one of the founder’s, Dr. Jack Stephens’ pet companions, the Skeeter Foundation was formed to perpetuate the scientifically proven positive effects that pets have on human health. One of the Skeeter Foundation’s principle activities is to develop and support volunteer therapy teams comprising a variety of pets that bring joy and relieve stress in people’s lives. Pets are mostly certified dogs that have passed rigorous training. Others include cats, rabbits, miniature horses and even a llama. Pets eligible for the Rx teams must have a gentle disposition, and be patient with and tolerant of strangers. The Foundation provides consultative and administrative support to the Rx teams, as well as liability insurance, which is required by visited institutions. |
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