This petition is an opportunity to send encouragement and wishes for a full recovery from an act of extreme and intentional animal cruelty. A beloved family member, Hope, a 6-year-old Labrador Retriever was the target of an unimaginable act. (IF you are able and wish to donate, please see the end of Hope's story.)
It has become widely recognized that animal abuse and/or cruelty is becoming more and more prevalent. The slip-sliding down, down, down of the economy and its effect upon the most frustrated segment of the general public has in many cases brought out the worst of human behaviors. Animal abuse seems to be one of the “outlets” for varying degrees of human anger. While some animal abuse is unintentional, the worst of the lot is extreme animal cruelty with intent to cause severe harm and/or death.
Almost anyone who has ever been involved in the dog world knows that Labrador Retrievers are among the most loving and companionable dogs. They give so much comfort to their people especially during times of grief. In 2006 just after the premature loss of a much-loved close family member and their child diagnosed with a serious illness, the Evans family adopted a beautiful black Lab. She was named Hope because of the hope for a brighter future she would bring to the family after the loss of their loved one and their hope for future pleasures that life can offer. And Hope really lived up to her reputation bringing joy and companionship becoming a deeply valued member of the family.
Fast forward five years later, when the family returned from normal day's activities, they found Hope had become seriously ill and immediately took her to their vet. The veterinarian’s diagnosis was that some type of caustic chemical was either poured or sprayed on her causing profound and extensive burns on her back and legs and tummy. Hope was first taken to a local vet hospital, and then referred to VCA All-Care Hospital in Fountain Valley, California where she received hyperbaric oxygen treatments (the same treatment for critically burned people). It is believed this was an intentional and cruel act possibly because Hope might have been barking. As no witness or video evidence is available criminal charges cannot be pursued.
Once Hope was stable Dr. Frank Borostyankoi, DVM, of VCA All-Care Hospital, performed extensive surgery and was able to stitch up some of the open wounds along with applying skin grafts. Hope had been in the hospital for a month, and even though she will still need extended vet care, she is doing so much better. The family feels Hope has a good chance that she will recover in large part due to the excellent veterinary care from the staff of these two animal hospitals.
The family states that “Hope was gravely ill when we first brought her to the vet., and there wasn’t much hope that she would survive this, but our sweet girl is such a fighter, and has truly beaten the odds. We are focusing all our energy on helping Hope to recover from this horrific ordeal.” Fueled by love for Hope, and the joy and comfort she gives in return, there was no question as to whether or not to treat Hope. This has resulted with veterinary bills have so far reached almost $15,000; and there will be many more visits with the hope her skin will completely heal.
Hope’s family deeply appreciates all the messages from well wishers, and they are truly grateful for kind messages for Hope’s speedy recovery. There have been television stories about Hope, and those links are shown below. On these links, there are pictures of Hope's injuries which are graphic and deeply disturbing.
If you would like to donate to their fund, visit Don't Lose Hope Fundraiser for more information.
http://www.turnto23.com/news/30510286/detail.html
http://www.facebook.com/savinghopefundraiser
https://www.facebook.com/events/354007797965786/
