Special Stories
Not a Happy Ending

By Eric Schuman

Since adopting our "Sweden" in 1994, it has been my pleasure and passion to volunteer for Golden Bond. I don't know how many home visits and dog evaluations I've done over eleven years, but they are almost always gratifying. Saving dogs and finding them homes are thoroughly pleasurable and rewarding activities. The hope in the face of each dog evaluated, and the expectation in the faces of the prospective families are why we volunteer.

On occasion I have participated in other Golden Bond activities, one of which has been to provide transportation for canines. This usually involves a dog immediately rescued following evaluation — often an emergency situation. Patsy Nolte and I have a favorite spot at the Woodburn Outlet Mall where many of these transfers take place. But today's transportation need was different. A female had been struck by a car and was found by a neighbor who brought the dog to the Humane Society in Salem. The dog was observed to have difficulty walking and seemed to be in pain. My partner Lorn and I were asked to take her to a clinic for further evaluation.

She had been evaluated by a Humane Society veterinarian who stated there was a possible pelvic fracture. She was given mild pain medication, then boarded the required five days. When no owner claimed her, the Humane Society contacted Golden Bond. She was a small, deep red golden retriever, as sweet as they come. When I asked the kennel worker why he was carrying her, he explained she could barely walk. When he put her down, her rapid breathing told me she was in pain. Nevertheless, she stoically turned to us for comfort and affection. We carried her outside, encouraged her to relieve herself in the barkdust and gently placed her on the back seat of my car.

At the veterinary clinic she was immediately examined by the doctor, who also suspected serious fractures. As he was examining her, he discovered the outline of a bullet in the skin over her right shoulder. The x-rays showed fractures on both sides of her pelvis, and a dislocated left hip. Repairing these injuries would have cost four to five thousand dollars, financial resources Golden Bond doesn't have to spend on one dog, no matter how sweet.

What a tragic day, certainly the saddest I've ever spent with Golden Bond. I consider the work I do for Golden Bond "God's work." I do it because I passionately care for the dogs we are able to rescue. It's also why I think it is important to generously contribute dollars to the organization. I wish we could have saved that very sweet girl, but I know we can't save all of them. I consider it a privilege to participate in the work of this organization, and I honor each of our volunteers for the depth of their commitment, participation and time.

Thank you all for the work you do for Golden Bond, and if you aren't a volunteer now, I hope you will consider volunteering in some capacity. I know you will be glad you did.

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