Second Chance: Hit by a Car

13 Aug Second Chance: Hit by a Car

Believe it or not, there is actually a chapter in most Veterinary Internal Medicine books that is entitled “HBC — for Hit By Car.”

As a profession, we refer to it like a major disease: Osteosarcoma, Congestive Heart Failure, Hit By Car. These are conditions that all too often kill their victims. But unlike the first two conditions in the list, Hit By Car is avoidable — with vigilance that has nothing to do with driving.

Corry

Hit By Car is a phrase that makes most vets cringe. Broken bones, severe lacerations, internal hemorrhaging, brain swelling — HBC’s are a nightmare — for the animal, the owner, the unsuspecting driver who is almost universally distraught – and the vet.

I see loose pets – dogs and cats– all the time during my rounds throughout both San Miguel and Ouray Counties. If I can get them home, by catching them and reading their tags or their microchips (as a vet, I’ve got a reader), I do. But far too often, they won’t come to a stranger. And then I see them later after the damage has been done. So I am urging some prevention here, particularly now in the midst of monsoon season.

This time of year they see a sharp increase in stray pets, particularly dogs, at the Second Chance Shelter.  The monsoons with their bracing thunder can turn the usual steady animal into a nervous wreck – make even the trustiest sense of direction go awry and panic the calmest animal into running head-on into traffic. So make sure your pets are secure at home and micro-chipped in case they lose their way.

If you’re missing a pet, call Second Chance and report it. Otherwise, practice HBC prevention vigilance. Know where your pet is, ensure your fence is secure and doors are closed, keep a tag on your pet and get them micro-chipped!

The adoptable pets of the week are Corry and Mario.

Corry is a gorgeous young Border Collie Spaniel (or a Bordaniel) cross who is full of energy, love, devotion and pizzazz. She would like to be adopted into a family who is very active and lively as that would best fit her style. She will certainly keep you young and active if you follow her lead.

Mario

Another lively pet, but of the fuzzy feline persuasion, is Mario. Yes he drives his engine fast and is quick to win over the hearts of those he meets.Being a young spry kitten is no time to be at an animal shelter so he is hoping that he can drive out of here today (although he prefers to drive, he agrees to be a back seat driver as well).

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)