Rosie: The Dog Determined To Live (Part III)

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Rosie standing for the first time with some assistanceLeah was going to try to save Rosie, but there was no guarantee Rosie would live. As my vet had predicted, Rosie was in a self-induced coma from the trauma. Amazingly, there were no major internal injuries or broken bones. The biggest fear was brain damage. Even if she woke up, they weren't sure if she'd be able to walk or respond to others. 

But Rosie fought all the odds. She woke up and ate some food on her own. Eventually, a week or so after the accident, she was able to stand with some assistance. 

Rosie being transported homeEventually she was deemed stable enough to go home. However, she wasn't out of the woods yet. Her long-term prognosis still wasn't known. 

Leah called me with regular updates and I was--and remain--floored at the love and money this family has poured into this little dog's care. 

I went to visit Rosie last week at the school where Leah teaches. As you can see in the video, Rosie is a relentless wanderer. This is from brain damage. They also think she may be deaf now, although the verdict is still out. But she's eating, going to the bathroom on her own, and is the sweetest of dogs, allowing you to pick her up and cuddle her. 

Rosie walking around.

Me and my girl, RosieBy my count, Rosie has survived:  

  • Being abandoned by the river with her pup, whom she kept alive
  • Two weeks on her own after she escaped the yard
  • Being hit by a van
  • A coma
  • Brain damage and a strong likelihood that she would never walk again
  • Finding a family with the heart and generosity to pay for her medical care

For whatever reason, I believe with all my heart and soul that this little dog was meant to live. And I'm grateful to have played a small part in that. 

Leah and her family are extraordinary people. I had to take my cat Lucy to Carolina Veterinary Services emergency animal hospital out off Guilford College Road, the same place where Rosie was treated. When I asked at the front desk if they remembered Rosie, they said yes, but they lit up when they talked about Leah and her family, going on and on about what wonderful people they are. 

When emergency vets and vet techs gush about you, you've got to be good. 

Which is why I would encourage any of you reading this who have been touched by Rosie's story, and what Leah and her family have done for her, to consider contributing to The Rosie Fund. This is a fund set up by SunTrust Bank to help pay the thousands of dollars related to Rosie's medical care:

ROSIERosie the Dog Fund / SunTrust Bank

Special Handling

VA-Richmond-9292

P.O. Box 27572

Richmond, VA  23261-7572

As for me, I'm grateful for Rosie's many chances at life, and for people like Leah who reinstalled my faith in the innate goodness of human beings. 

Cheers,

Dena