Chocolate says goodbye to WSU
July 9th
Pullman – To a somewhat tearful goodbye, Chocolate a rescued Chesapeake
Bay retriever is heading back to the Tri Cities. Chocolate was taken
back home in style, riding in a donated limousine. “Oh I think he’s
going to have a great life,” said Dr. Janine Swailes, the Kennewick area
veterinarian who first took in Chocolate. Adding, “I think he deserves a
great life given all he’s been through.
The event was bittersweet for some who had grown attached to Chocolate these
past four months. Their advice to any future owner is to earn
Chocolate’s trust first, and he’ll follow you anywhere. “If he likes you, he
will work hard for you,” said 3rd year WSU veterinary student Sara Dobry.
“That’s been the thing for me just bonding with him. I was really glad I got
to work with him. It’s especially neat to be able to send him home.”
Chocolate was first brought to WSU after the abandoned dog had
been seen roaming the fields north of Pasco last winter;
suffering from numerous fractures to his front legs. |
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Chocolate's WSU Veterinary Rehabilitation Team
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Surgery was required to repair the old breaks that had healed
improperly, and left both limbs twisted and virtually unusable.
“We’re very happy. This was more then we could have imagined,” said
WSU veterinary orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steve Martinez. “He certainly
has exceeded my expectations.”
The next step will be in finding Chocolate a permanent home.
Dr. Swailes has identified a few families and will be working with
them to see which one is the best fit. “We even had a call from a
soldier in Iraq, it was just amazing,” said Dr. Swailes. “I was just
astonished at how many people this story really touched their hearts
and wanted to help him out. Hopefully we can find the perfect
place.”
Several members of the WSU rehabilitation team were on hand to wave
goodbye, as Chocolate and his limo drove away. Said one, “It
just won’t be the same around here without him.”
Chocolate in the limo
Last Edited: Jul 30, 2008 12:44 PM
