Rescue Dog Arrives at Second Chance Animal Services for Life-changing Surgery
EAST BROOKFIELD — Second Chance Animal Services is asking for help for a special shelter pet. Second Chance first learned about Star from one of its partners while making plans for a rescue air transport. This 4-year-old shepherd mix was sitting in an overcrowded Texas shelter for months, suffering from a debilitating condition. Star needs surgery for coronoid disease in her left elbow, which causes pain and lameness. The Texas shelter did not have the means to help her, and time was running out.
“We knew that Second Chance could be her only chance,” Development Director Lindsay Doray said, “so we made plans to get her on a transport to Massachusetts as soon as we could.”
After Star was released from the Second Chance Almost Home facility, where rescue pets who cross state lines come to rest and complete their state-mandated quarantine, Shauna Griffin, shelter manager and vet tech, took her to see a specialist, who confirmed the diagnosis.
“We are keeping Star comfortable at the shelter, where she’s become a favorite of staff and volunteers alike,” Griffin said. “The surgeon agreed it was best to keep her in her kennel with short walks to prevent further damage to the joint. She is just the sweetest dog; we’ve all fallen for her.”
Griffin will be taking Star for arthroscopic surgery at the beginning of January with the hopes of repairing her elbow and relieving her pain. While Second Chance community veterinary hospitals perform a wide range of surgeries on a daily basis, Star needs the help of a specialist. After the surgery, Star will return to the shelter to recuperate before she is available for adoption.
With an estimate of $3,500 for the surgery alone, Second Chance has begun raising funds to help Star. Those interested in making a donation to help can do so through a fundraiser on the Second Chance Facebook page, by making a donation at www.secondchanceanimals.org or by mail to Second Chance Animal Services, P.O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.