Meet McCoy. He may not look like your definition of a puppy, but let me tell you: age has nothing to do with being a puppy. All dogs are puppies in my book! Anyway, let’s get back to McCoy. How would I describe him? He’s sweet, brave, strong, and a heartbreaker. McCoy is also loving beyond human capability. I swear this is a dog’s super power. In honor of National Puppy Day, here is McCoy’s “Forever” Puppy story.
This sweet pup was found on September 23rd last year. My dearest friend Lisa put a plea out on Facebook when one of her staff saw a dog raise its head off of the railroad tracks across from her restaurant. She asked for someone to come and help get a dog off of the tracks. I immediately jumped in my car and headed that way, not knowing if I would make it in time. I didn’t know how I would help get this dog off of the tracks when I got there.
Thankfully, a staff member from South End BBQ lived close to the restaurant and was able to get to McCoy very quickly. He said McCoy was just lying on the tracks and allowed him to pick him up without any hesitation.
I don’t speak dog but I am pretty sure that was his way of saying, “I desperately need you. Thank you for coming to get me.”
We didn’t know what to do. McCoy had a large mass on his backside and couldn’t use the bathroom in any manner. His ribs were showing and he had scabs on several parts of his body. We decided it would be best if I took him and kept everyone updated on his condition. I took him to Dixie Animal Hospital where they checked him for a microchip. He didn’t have one! I called Metro to ask what I legally had to do, knowing that this boy needed a lot of care. After speaking with them, they gave me some advice.
If you find a stray you have either turn them into Animal Control OR:
- Check for a microchip on the stray dog.
- Post on three different social media sites about the found dog.
- Keep the dog for 13 days.
After completing the above three steps with no reply from an owner, then legally, he could be mine. I knew we didn’t have 13 days to wait for treatment on this boy, so that lead to the next chapter in this story.
I put pleas out on Facebook, contacted friends that I have in rescue, and contacted several emergency rescues around the area. In between calls, I contacted veterinarians all over Kentuckiana: Louisville, Lexington, Elizabethtown, New Albany. I begged for an appointment from each veterinary office. The only veterinarian I could make an appointment with was with an emergency veterinarian. Lisa graciously covered the cost of the visit.
We found out that McCoy was 10-12 years old, severely anemic due to fleas, dehydrated, malnourished, and had two major hernias causing extreme bowel blockage. They recommended a blood transfusion, x-rays, and surgery. Unfortunately, this would cost thousands of dollars! If the above didn’t work or couldn’t be paid for, the alternative would be euthanasia.
The next day, I made another plea, for financial support to help pay for his surgeries. A few friends and the founders of Derby City Dog Rescue donated for his cause. I took McCoy for a second opinion and my heart broke when the second opinion came back worse than the initial one. McCoy was really sick. He needed surgery that only a specialist could perform, and it needed to happen immediately. I sat in my driveway and tried to compose myself as I called a vet who performs mobile euthanasia. I couldn’t muster a hello without sobbing. I had to hang up.
I sat next to my husband as he was bathing McCoy and picked fleas off him one by one. I stared at McCoy feeling so defeated, and like I had let him down. Then, I received an email from Arrow Fund asking for me return their call.
They wanted to help!
So, I drove McCoy across town to a specialty veterinarian that Arrow Fund works with for their most severe cases. They didn’t have a someone there to do the surgery that was needed. McCoy needed to be monitored for days to even see if he would make it through the surgery. So, off the another specialist we went. This was our last option. Our hope was riding on what they could do for him.
I stood in the parking lot with McCoy laying in the back of my car. I talked to him and explained what was happening and that these people were going to help him. They came out and got him and took him inside.
Later, the phone rang. It was the specialist. McCoy was too sick. There truly was nothing they could do for him. What I had been dreading the last day and a half was becoming a reality.
This “Forever” Puppy was going to his “Forever” home.
Despite COVID restrictions, I was allowed in the room with McCoy before the euthanasia process. The vet told me to take all the time I needed and to open the door when I was ready. I talked to McCoy, told him how sorry I was people failed him up until now. I told him how loved he is, how much people cared about him, and how much I needed him.
It was tough. I cried. I hugged him and kissed him through my mask more times than I can count. And I begged him not to go.
Then, one moment he nudged my face with his and nuzzled into my neck. I knew this was him telling me he was thankful for all that was done for him. But he that it was time, no matter how badly I didn’t want it to be.
At 4:20 pm, on September 24th, McCoy took his final breath as I held his head in my hands. Though it was such a hard experience to go through, I am blessed to have been the one chosen to walk beside him through the process.
Getting a puppy is a life-long commitment. It doesn’t matter if that life is a few hours, days, or several years. Our puppies rely on us every day to be their voice. We provide for them, love them, and help them live their life to the fullest. Thank you McCoy for being my one of my Forever Puppies.
Thank you to my Forever Puppies: Josie, Riku, and Dunkin for welcoming McCoy into our home, if even for a short time.
