Success Stories

Chance2, January, 1999

Chewey's owners didn't seem to care much about him, but when he was hit by a car a sympathetic neighbor took pity on him. The neighbor took Chewey to the vet and paid for the surgery needed to repair his broken leg. The break was severe enough to require insertion of a pin to stabilize the bone. Unfortunately, when young Chewey was returned to his owners their pattern of neglect continued. Chewey was not given proper post-surgery care and the leg had become swollen and infected by the time his plight was brought to the attention of a local South Carolina Labrador lover. On examination by the vet, it was determined that Chewey's infected leg was beyond repair and would need to be amputated. Without a local rescue group for support, Chewie's rescuer needed help and so she contacted the folks on Labrador-L. A believer in second chances, she re-named Chewey and he became "Chance".

When the story of nine-month old Chance appeared on Lab-L, Brookline Labradors and Rescue in Pennsylvania jumped in and offered to take Chance. His surgery was being delayed in order to get allow treatment to get the raging infection under control. That delay gave rescuers time to make plans for Chance's future care. While South Carolina vets treated Chance's infection, his rescuers started working on arranging transportation. Breaks in the weather on the storm battered east coast in January allowed volunteers from CUR (Canine Underground Railroad) to shuttle Chance from South Carolina to Pennsylvania without incident. Brookline Labrador Rescue arranged for foster care during Chance's stay in Pennsylvania and contacted LABMED for assistance in funding Chance's treatment and surgery. By the time Chance arrived in South Carolina all the pieces were in place. The Pennsylvania vets report confirmed that an amputation was needed. A decision was also made to repair a small umbilical hernia and to neuter Chance during the surgery. Tests were run to make sure Chance did not have Heartworms.

Chance had his surgery in early February and was up and walking within 24 hours, apparently unconcerned about the loss of his front leg. Chance is currently recuperating in the comfort of his new foster home in Pennsylvania and shows every indication that his future is happy and secure.