Ashley's story

Story added February 2006

Ashley with animal care specialist Jessie Magnine.

Ashley is bright, alert young mixed breed dog, with a fuzzy coat and button-black eyes. Her sweet disposition and natural intelligence do not betray the suffering she has endured in her short life.

Ashley was born a stray in rural Florida. Last year, when she was about 3 months old, she wandered into a man's yard. The man became angry with the puppy for "trespassing on his lawn" and decided to "teach her a lesson." In full view of his neighbors, the man stomped on Ashley and tried to kill her. She did not die, but his kicks and blows fractured her legs and back, paralyzing the lower half of her body.

A neighbor ran to Ashley's aid and rushed her to the local humane society. They sought immediate veterinary care for her, but even surgery could not repair the damage. Ashley was left disabled and incontinent. (The humane society tried to prosecute the man, but none of his neighbors would give a statement to the police for fear of retaliation.)

In spite of all that Ashley suffered, she was still a sweet and kind dog. The humane society thought that she would make a great therapy dog for hospitals and nursing homes. After living in a foster home for several months, that humane society realized that Ashley needed care that a foster caretaker could not provide. Her leg muscles, ligaments and tendons had frozen into place, making it difficult for her to rest or move comfortably, and causing painful pressure ulcers to develop.

An Internet search led the humane society director to Home for Life^®. Of special interest was our Pet Peace Corps program that involves animals in community outreach. Not only would Ashley receive the care she needed at HFL, but she might also fulfill her therapeutic potential!

Last summer, Ashley made the long trip by plane to our sanctuary to begin her new life. We promptly fitted her for a cart, which she took to in no time! To protect Ashley from further pressure sores, she wears wrappings on her feet and upper legs. Our dedicated staff of animal care specialists clean and change her wraps twice a day. At night, she rests on a special orthopedic dog bed. We also laid rubber mats over the dog run to provide a softer surface for her outdoor excursions.

Ashley in her new cart.
More photos: riding in the Gator with animal care
specialist Katie Vold | back to original photo

With systems in place to support her condition, Ashley could begin to socialize. She quickly made friends with people and animals alike. She is especially close to her new roommates: Moppet, Chewy, Jerry and Crystal.

Soon, Ashley will begin obedience lessons with the goal of becoming a certified therapy dog. With her intelligence, strength in adversity, and kind heart, we know she'll succeed!