Lucky Chihuahua Gets New Life, New Home
Updated: Friday, 01 Feb 2008, 7:47 PM CST
Published : Friday, 01 Feb 2008, 7:47 PM CST
AUSTIN -
A Chihuahua hit by a car and left for dead now has a new home, thanks to good luck and a prepared paramedic with a soft spot for dogs.
On Wednesday, January 16th, Austin-Travis County EMS Commander Temple Thomas and a visiting Army medical doctor were making their rounds in an ambulance when they saw a crowd of people gathered at N. Lamar Blvd. and St. Johns Ave. They then stopped to investigate.
The witnesses told them that a car hit two small dogs and left the scene. One of the dogs could not be saved. But the small Chihuahua still appeared to be breathing.
"Right place, right time," Cmdr. Thomas says.
Cmdr. Thomas and the doctor quickly assessed the unconscious dog and determined she had a head injury. They reacted as they would for any of their human patients.
Luckily, the ambulance they were in had a small oxygen mask specifically designed for animals. The organization, Pets America, donated the masks to Austin-Travis County EMS last May for emergencies just like this one.
"All the pieces fell into place to be able to help her," Cmdr. Thomas says.
After they treated the dog with oxygen and cleaned her up, they turned on the ambulance sirens and rushed her to Austin Vet Care Hospital in North Austin. Veterinarian Dr. Adrienne Gwin cared for the dog while she was still in critical condition.
"If she had been left on the side of the road, no doubt she would have died," Dr. Gwin says.
The vet clinic staff says after three days, the dog started to improve. When she was ready to be released, the staff realized she had no identifying tags or microchip. They notified local pet adoption agencies, but Cmdr. Thomas stopped them. He says he wanted to give the determined Chihuahua a new home in his own home.
"I felt an instant bond when she was awake and looking at me," Cmdr. Thomas says. He has since named the dog Zoe, a Greek word meaning 'Life.'
Thomas says Zoe is adjusting well to her new big family.
"I have two Rottweilers. I also have a Jack Russell Terrier. So far, [Zoe's] told them who's boss. The biggest Rottweiler is terrified of her," Cmdr. Thomas says.
Pets America CEO Elaine Acker says Zoe's story gives her "the best feeling ever."
Acker adds that it shows that it pays to be prepared for emergencies involving pets.
"Temple had the right equipment, and he knew how to use it," said Acker. "But pet owners won't always be fortunate enough to have EMS on the scene."
She adds that pet owners need to learn CPR and other life saving skills for their pets. Pets America offers courses where you can learn how to be prepared in case of an emergency involving your pet.
To learn more about the classes or make a donation to provide more pet oxygen masks, contact:
Pets America
Elaine Acker
(512) 452-4224
petsamerica.org
On Wednesday, January 16th, Austin-Travis County EMS Commander Temple Thomas and a visiting Army medical doctor were making their rounds in an ambulance when they saw a crowd of people gathered at N. Lamar Blvd. and St. Johns Ave. They then stopped to investigate.
The witnesses told them that a car hit two small dogs and left the scene. One of the dogs could not be saved. But the small Chihuahua still appeared to be breathing.
"Right place, right time," Cmdr. Thomas says.
Cmdr. Thomas and the doctor quickly assessed the unconscious dog and determined she had a head injury. They reacted as they would for any of their human patients.
Luckily, the ambulance they were in had a small oxygen mask specifically designed for animals. The organization, Pets America, donated the masks to Austin-Travis County EMS last May for emergencies just like this one.
"All the pieces fell into place to be able to help her," Cmdr. Thomas says.
After they treated the dog with oxygen and cleaned her up, they turned on the ambulance sirens and rushed her to Austin Vet Care Hospital in North Austin. Veterinarian Dr. Adrienne Gwin cared for the dog while she was still in critical condition.
"If she had been left on the side of the road, no doubt she would have died," Dr. Gwin says.
The vet clinic staff says after three days, the dog started to improve. When she was ready to be released, the staff realized she had no identifying tags or microchip. They notified local pet adoption agencies, but Cmdr. Thomas stopped them. He says he wanted to give the determined Chihuahua a new home in his own home.
"I felt an instant bond when she was awake and looking at me," Cmdr. Thomas says. He has since named the dog Zoe, a Greek word meaning 'Life.'
Thomas says Zoe is adjusting well to her new big family.
"I have two Rottweilers. I also have a Jack Russell Terrier. So far, [Zoe's] told them who's boss. The biggest Rottweiler is terrified of her," Cmdr. Thomas says.
Pets America CEO Elaine Acker says Zoe's story gives her "the best feeling ever."
Acker adds that it shows that it pays to be prepared for emergencies involving pets.
"Temple had the right equipment, and he knew how to use it," said Acker. "But pet owners won't always be fortunate enough to have EMS on the scene."
She adds that pet owners need to learn CPR and other life saving skills for their pets. Pets America offers courses where you can learn how to be prepared in case of an emergency involving your pet.
To learn more about the classes or make a donation to provide more pet oxygen masks, contact:
Pets America
Elaine Acker
(512) 452-4224
petsamerica.org
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