Harvey Dent – Pain-Free for the First Time in a Long Time
as shared by Jim Keller/Operations Director
Earlier this year, we received a call about an injured, 7-month-old, Cattle Dog mix that needed our help. Our rescue partner, Yakima Valley Pet Rescue had done some x-rays, which revealed a fractured hip joint that they were not equipped to support through the treatment and recovery time needed. We knew that our clinic and veterinary partners could help. My wife and I offered to foster him through his surgery and recovery, and Harvey Dent was transferred to Homeward Pet the following week.
The day after Harvey arrived, I took him to Animal Emergency Services in Kirkland, one of our outstanding veterinary partners, where orthopedic surgeon Dr. McKiernan, would do an FHO (femoral head ostectomy) surgery to repair the hip. Unfortunately, during surgery, complications were discovered. The injury had healed in a way that made the FHO surgery impossible without risking life-long pain and nerve damage. So, with consultation from Dr. KAM at Homeward Pet, the decision was made to amputate Harvey’s leg and give him the guaranteed pain-free life he deserved.
The following morning, Harvey woke up, stood up, and moved on, not missing a step while figuring out how to balance and walk – and eventually run and jump – with three legs. Dogs are so impressive that way. They don’t miss what they don’t have. They just go with what they’ve got.
The veterinarian prescribed a cone and quiet for two weeks (not easy for a 7-month-old herding breed). He could only go on very short walks. Just hanging out, pain meds and warm compresses. Through it all, Harvey was so sweet and smart. He gave gentle thank you kisses to everyone. He was good around our other dogs – giving space to our sometimes-grumpy senior Shar Pei and was very respectful of our 14-year-old Pug. His fascination with our cat never went beyond a “what is that?!?” stare (well, maybe once or twice when the cat ran). Soon enough they were all spending time together in the kitchen or TV room.
At his two-week check-up, the cone came off, and he was cleared for normal activity. Harvey is living pain-free for the first time in a long time, loving his long walks almost as much as he loves jumping on the couch to roll on his back for tummy rubs.
________________
Harvey’s story is not as unusual as you would think. From needing more care than originally thought to receiving specialized veterinary intervention, Harvey’s story represents hundreds of dogs and cats who will find their way to Homeward Pet.
Your generosity saves lives and gives the cats and dogs at Homeward Pet the best chance for healthy, happy lives.
And yes… We adopted Harvey.
