Dogs Dumped in Compton Creek

Hope

August 18, 2001:

Over the past week, Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control has recovered 19 dogs and cats in a Compton Creek. Authorities believe the animals were intentionally thrown in the creek, since they were all found in an enclosed fenced area. Four of the dogs were uninjured and were taken to Los Angeles County Animal shelter in Downey. Unfortunately, one poor dog named "Hope" suffered a broken back and was taken to Lakewood Animal Hospital in Bellflower. Noah's Bark rescued the four dogs from the shelter and also took in the injured dog "Hope".

Hope, a two year old female, very sweet black labrador mix, had her tenth vertebrae broken, leaving her hind legs immobile. After spending a few days at the Lakewood Animal Hospital, Hope was transferred to the VCA-West LA Animal Hospital where Dr. Stephen Hanson, a veterinary neurosurgeon, generously donated his services to perform the surgery. Surgery was performed Thursday, August 16 and Hope is currently recovering nicely. Sadly, she has only a 10% chance of walking again. It will be almost two months before she can even attempt to walk. Doggon' Wheels has generously donated a new doggie wheelchair for Hope. With this to aid her, she is expected to live a long and happy life. We do however expect that she will require extensive medical care this year and she will not be available for adoption for several months. Hope will be sleeping on a doggie waterbed to facilitate her recovery.

Other dogs found were Scout a five month old male lab mix; George, a one year old male pit; Weezie, a two year old female petite pit mix and Ms. G a one year old black female terrier. We will care for these dogs and place them in loving homes when they are ready. The dogs have had a traumatized past, so we want them to be pampered in every way and get the best start on a new life.

We are offering a reward (currently $2500) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those individual(s) responsible for dumping the animals into the Compton Creek. Members of the community have contributed to this fund, and donations are still being collected for reward money. In the event that no one is convicted for this heinous crime, all donations will go towards further care of Hope and the other abused dogs. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please send a check to our address below and mark "reward donation" in the memo to earmark the donation for this purpose.

We also are currently in the process of trying to purchase a kennel to house abandon and unwanted dogs like Hope. Unfortunately, we are desperately in need of funds...or our opportunity may be missed. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to help us continue to help hundreds of unwanted and injured dogs like Hope, you may send a check to:

Hope was able to leave the hospital today. She is now being fostered by a Noah's Bark volunteer. Her foster mom is making her as comfortable as possible during her recovery period. Her waterbed was also donated by one of our volunteers and it is expected to arrive shortly. Hope is in good spirits, and has a healthy appetite not only for food -- but love and affection as well.

Click here to see Hope's stitches after surgery.

The good news of the week is we found that Hope has some feeling in her toes! Hope has also made new best friends with a four month old kitten named Maggie. They clean each other, sleep together and have become real bossom buddies. Her waterbed came in and she is very comfortable resting in it. Hope's foster mom, does daily exercises, stretching Hope's muscles. Hope's wheelchair is expected to come in soon... she is ready to use it, our vet says she can be in the chair for up to ten minutes each day.

Hope had her first outing as she came to our adoption fair on Saturday to visit. It still will be several weeks (or maybe months) before she can be placed but the little outing and fresh air was good for her. Hope is now going to physical therapy weekly. Dr. Anita Sant Angelo of VCA-West LA Animal Hospital, has generously donated her services for Hope's weekly therapy sessions. Thank you Dr. Sant Angelo!

Today Hope went to the front door this morning and whined at it. She had to go outside to do her business! Although this doesn't sound like much it truly is significant it means she is getting some more feeling back!

Hope is an amazingly gentle soul. Her best friend and companion is three year old Ricky. Hope will sit forever with Ricky and play "Tea party". Hope lets Ricky dress her up and actually loves it. Hope and Ricky lay together and nap while falling asleep watching Rugrats their favorite show. Hope is showing improvement everyday. Her hind legs now show resistance. She exercises many times a day and keeps up her weekly therapy appointment with Dr. Anita Sant Angelo. Hope's wheelchair arrival is highly anticipated. Because of the recent tragedies in New York and Washington, her wheelchair may arrive a little later than expected. Hope loves people. Please come by Petco on Saturday in Torrance (Crenshaw, Lomita Crossroads) and say hello to her.

Hope's wheel chair finally came in. While she's not the fastest thing on wheels, she is adjusting to them and is really enjoying her new found freedom. Photoed is Hope the Kool Dog Kafe picking out her treats for the week.

Who knew that Hope loves chasing Frisbees? Who knew she could out-race a three year old, run after a butterfly, run away from a cat? Did the person (s) that threw her in the Compton Creek know that her back feet are ticklish? Did they know that they could take away her spirit and it would take months and an incredible loving three year old child to get it back?

I know Hope, I know Hope likes the *CRUNCH* of leaves under her feet and the sunshine on her face, adores all creatures big and small. Hope likes to take walks and explore her freedom. I know Hope in the form of a dog by the same name. Hope has taught my family so much. In fact, she has taught a whole neighborhood compassion. She has her own fan club when she takes walks in her new wheelchair.

My *HOPE* is to find the person who did this and prosecute them. To let them know that there five seconds of a "thrill" and the sickness of watching a beautiful creature hit bottom has NOT taken Hope's pride or dignity away.

Hope and her new sister Ashley

Hope has been adopted by a wonderful family. Cindy Olsen has followed Hope's story since it hit the news... and has been waiting patiently for Hope to become available. Hope joins Piper and 1.5 year old lab and a human sister Ashley age 10. Cindy knows that it is a huge responsibility but she has put lots of time and effort into thinking and talking everything over with her family. Making sure that Hope is a perfect fit for their family and everyone agreed that she is. While we are a little sad to see Hope go we are thrilled that she is going to such a loving home!

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