Good Samaritan Anita Silvers of Whitmire, SC found this bleeding, emaciated chocolate Lab after leaving the grocery store on Thursday evening, Dec. 8. Being the kind of woman she is, she picked her up, and took her home. She made a warm bed for her on the porch that night, fed her well and woke up to 9 babies and mom the next morning! Anita does this for any neglected animal she finds in her small, rural town although she can't really afford to and is also disabled by fibromyalgia.
On Friday, she took mom and pups to Triangle Vet Care in Union, SC - 30 minutes away -
where pups were given a check up, and mom was started on antibiotics and had her wound cleaned. The vet, Dr. Grantham, thought that "Patty", as Anita had begun calling the wounded mom in honor of the Patrick Miracle, had been shot at and grazed at close range by a small caliber pistol, most likely by her neglectful owner in order to escape the added responsibility of unplanned puppies. Anita postdated a check for the amount of the bill and asked the vet to hold it til she could come up with enough money to cover it. She sent out a plea for rescue assistance to internet acqaintances, which Jenni Horne saw and crossposted to Lab Rescue groups.
Wild Heir Lab Rescue got that email plea Friday night and immediately responded. Jenni
and Anita were contacted and a plan for volunteer transport was made for Sunday, Dec. 11. Anita drove down to Columbia and was met by Wild Heir foster mom, Alicia Matthews, who then picked up another WH volunteer, Denise Flowers, to head straight to a local vet.
Dr. Addy Fogel-Owens of Kingstree Animal Hospital met them and proceeded to anesthetize and suture up the gaping gash in Patty's neck, as well as making the gruesome discovery that Patty's throat had been slashed with a knife rather that shot with a gun. Denise assisted Dr. Fogel-Owens, while Alicia was in charge of keeping rubber gloves filled with warm water to keep the puppies warm. Patty submitted to the entire ordeal with a wag and a continued trust in people both heartbreaking and heartwarming to see.
We posted this unfolding saga on our Wild Heir Lab Rescue Facebook page and people have stepped up to help in so many ways! 8 of the newborn puppies have survived and are nursing strongly, SCNow.com/WBTW Channel 13 out of Florence, SC videoed Patty & pups during an interview on their plight, we now have 3 drop off locations set up for much needed dog supplies, and Anita filed a police report about Patty's attack/abuse.
Wild Heir paid Anita's vet bill today and asked them to tear up her check and three people have requested Anita's home address to help her recover from her unexpected puppy supplies and gas expenses...Our Christmas miracle is still unfolding!
Donations for Patty & Pups' vetting expenses incurred while in our care may be sent directly to Kingstree Animal Clinic/Dr. Fogel - 201 N. Williamsburg County Hwy, Kingstree, SC 29556 and note Wild Heir Lab Rescue - Patty & Pups, or you can donate directly through our website via Click & Pledge and specify Patty & Pups.
Drop off locations for dog supplies are:
Shaffer Insurance Agency - 3617 E. Palmetto St., Florence, SC
Renaissance Signworks - 1218 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, SC
Palmetto Paws - 976-D Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC
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