Belle’s first month as a Tripawd

Hi my name is Darci and I have (fostering) a beautiful 7 year old tripawd boxer named Belle. Belle asked if I could tell her story for her.

On April 24th 2012 there was a post on face book by Julie Covert a local groomer & transporter saying  Belle is a beautiful, sweet, 7 year old Boxer that has been at a WV shelter much too long. She was left behind by her family with a rear leg injury that had not healed so well. And no one wanted to adopt her. Julie payed for Belle’s x-rays, rabies, transport and assisted with the treatment of her leg.

It only took a little while for Open Arms Rescue in Akron, NY to step up to take Belle. On April 26th  she was assessed by the vet, apparently she had a compound fracture in her right rear leg  where the bone was actually protruding through her skin. The leg healed badly so they scheduled surgery to amputate her leg. A chip in was started to help raise  $500.00 by the end of May. The wonderful dog community stepped up and donated well over the $500 needed for her surgery (in less than 48 hours).

On April 27th Belle was taken in to surgery. Shortly after surgery Belle was up and was trying to run. The next day Belle was picked up from the vet and she was doing very well. The following Friday she would return to the vet for a check up. They were very impressed on how well she was doing. On Sunday, May 6th Belle was on her way to New York to start her new life. When she arrived she was greeted by family, friends and the local news. http://www.wkbw.com/home/Akron-Rescue-150395295.html

It has been about a month since Belle’s surgery and she is doing well. We have had some struggles and everyday we are working to make Belle’s life the best we can. She has brought us such happiness and we love her unconditionally and it hurts us every time she falls or when she is just to tired or weak to walk on her good leg. We are hoping that as time goes by Belle gets stronger and will hop on three. But as of now she only hops for a little bit before she starts dragging her leg behind her.

We would like to thank some amazing people for making this all possible, Rob Hamil, director of the Braxton County Animal Shelter for not euthanizing her, giving her this second chance and running her back and forth to the vet and to Nicholas Animal Hospital in Summersville, WV for the amazing job they did with her surgery!!!!

And a very special thank you to Julie Covert for everything she did and continues to do for Belle. You are the angle that saw Belle for more than a “broken dog”, you saw her for a sweet loving girl that she is.

We can’t forget Pegz Viz, Warrior Princess and mom Karen Viz for all the help and guidance through all of this.