THOMASVILLE — The puppy is believed to be the victim of malicious animal cruelty. The injury almost cost the canine his life.

It appeared someone tightly wound twine around the young dog’s left front leg, causing the animal to drag that foot.

A woman found the dog, a stray, and took it to the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society animal shelter.

The dog received medical treatment for the injury and quickly became a favorite resident at the animal shelter.

“He was such a wonderful puppy. I brought him here to visit,” Walter Maseda, animal shelter education coordinator, said Wednesday morning at The Suites Of Woodleaf on East Pine Tree Boulevard.

The future did not look bright for the puppy. Because of his injured leg, the possibility of adoption was bleak.

When euthanization seemed to be the only alternative, Maseda contacted Woodleaf.

“The next thing I knew a collection is being taken up amongst everybody to save the dog’s life,” Maseda said.

Woodleaf residents and personnel and Women’s Forum members, among others, raised money to pay the adoption fee. When it appeared the puppy’s leg might have to be amputated, someone offered to pay the medical bill.

A Quitman resident said she would take the puppy if the adoption fee could be raised.

“He’s happy and at home and getting better,” said Sarah Kilgore, Woodleaf activities director.

Woodleaf residents will choose a name for the puppy.

“He’s going to be our honorary pet, too,” Kilgore explained.

Animals at Woodleaf is not a new concept.

One resident keeps a frisky Pomeranian. Another has a seeing-eye Lab. Cats live with two residents.

Elizabeth Wade, who is in respite care at Woodleaf, rooms with her cat, Jenni, a perky, playful two-year-old feline. Jenni has lots of toys and is not bashful about performing for visitors.

Family and friends of residents are encouraged to bring their pets when visiting.

A resident who had become withdrawn changed after a visit from the injured puppy.

“It was like a whole new person. ... The animal brought her to life,” Kilgore said.

“And she talked about it for three days,” Mandy Vickers, Woodleaf executive director, interjected.

Pet therapy at Woodleaf is on the horizon.

Vickers thinks visits by animals rekindle residents’ memories of their pets and children, particularly those who are suffering from varying degrees of dementia.

Vickers said the animals obviously are good therapy. They bring out emotions and conversations humans do not evoke.



Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 220.