NEW ORLEANS — Several years ago, a small group of women decided never to give up on the most needy canines.
Well, just a few days ago, their determination began to show results with one young, very injured, dog.
And we have the video to show you what happened.
The path to get Clara to walk has been paved with the patience, kindness, and generosity of a group of only six, local women, powered by the expertise of veterinarians, and vet techs throughout the area.
“Mutt Mamas takes in those poor dogs who have been abused, neglected, often thrown out in the community, their owners have died, and nobody else wants them,” explained Sue McCormick, Administrator of The Krewe of Mid-City Mutt Mamas.
Right now the group has 20 dogs like Clara in boarding, and foster care. They've had her since September when she was found shot in Shreveport. She came in to surgeon Dr. Jenifer Newton at South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists in Mandeville with no movement, and crushed spinal vertebrae.
“We didn't really know going into it (surgery), what our odds would be, but we knew it was her best chance,” said Dr. Newton, who is a
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
While there, donations from complete strangers kept her care going.
“‘We saw this on Facebook. My wife sent me here. We'd like to pay for the MRI,’” Siobhan Rome remembers a man saying. “$1,900 later, it was just, it's just so heartwarming.”
And then just last week, video showed a breakthrough in water therapy at MedVet New Orleans in Metairie.
“They must have placed her on a mat to dry her off, and she lifted her hips off the mat and started going about five feet on her own, and I just couldn't believe it,” said Rome.
“A dog like her, that is so happy, and joyful, and pleasant, and always in a good mood, it just makes it even that much more rewarding to see her happy, and running around just a little bit,” said Dr. Newton.
So, why do they do this?
“Because I love these animals. How can you not do it? How can you pass an animal on the street? I can't. It's humanity, and it's how we should treat each other,” said McCormick.
Clara is only one of many that still needs a home. As you can imagine, even with rescue discounts, costs mount, but the unconditional licks of love are keeping the Mutt Mamas going.
We reached out to the shelter in Caddo Parish to see if there was an update on how Clara was shot.
It is closed for the holiday.
There are several ways to donate:
Or go to a fundraiser for Clara at 2527 St. Ann Street on Saturday, March 2, 1-4 p.m.
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