Paw-N-Hand launches fundraiser to benefit handicapped dog
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on August 15, 2016 1:46 PM
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Jennie Sharpe, left, and her sister, Michelle, hug Journey the dog at an adoption event Saturday. Jennie and Michelle rescued Journey after he was struck by a truck in front of their parents' home leaving him with nerve damage and limited use of his front two legs.
Journey has a loving disposition and likes to cuddle. He enjoys a good belly rub and likes to play, just like any other dog. But, unlike other dogs, Journey can't get around well because his two front legs were broken and have nerve damage.
When he does get up off his cozy doggy bed to play or go outside, Journey walks on the top portion of both front legs, as most of the legs are limp and turn under.
Although a veterinarian suggested putting Journey down, members of Paw-N-Hand Rescue didn't want to cut the dog's life short because of a handicap.
Instead, volunteers with the nonprofit animal rescue group are trying to raise money to help Journey, who is a plott hound.
"We are raising funds, first to get him to the vet to get X-rays and tests done to see what we're dealing with," said Paw-N-Hand president Scarlet Firestone. "Once we know that, we can make a plan of action whether he will need orthopedic surgery to reconstruct the broken parts of his legs or whether he may need both legs amputated because we know he has some nerve damage.
"He may need casts or a prosthetics to straighten out the legs so he can continue to use them. Or worst-case scenario, he may need a wheelchair."
Journey's predicament is due to an accident.
"He was hit by a car about a month ago," said Michelle Sharpe with Paw-N-Hand. "Somebody was driving down the road and hit him. The guy got out of the truck, looked at the truck for damage, saw Journey in the ditch and left him there and drove off."
Ms. Sharpe said Journey lived in the neighborhood, but wasn't properly cared for.
After the accident, she got a friend to pick Journey up and take him to the vet.
"It saved him," she said.
"He turns both front legs under and does the best he can. He jumps up on the recliner and snuggles and loves."
Ms. Sharpe said everybody gave up on Journey, but Paw-N-Hand didn't.
"That's not what you do with an animal or anybody," she said. "You don't give up on them. You try to fight for them and do all you can to save them. That's what we do. We just need the funds and people to help us."
Ms. Firestone said donations can be made specifically to help Journey by going to the group's paypal site at pawnhandnc@gmail and adding a note "for Journey." Or you can send a check and put "for Journey" in the memo line.
"If we exceed his goal for medical care, funds will then go to the next animal that needs it," she said. "There's always going to be another Journey."
Paw-N-Hand uses donations to help with its spay/neuter program, vaccinations or any special care an animal needs.
"We have pulled some animals from the shelter and some from off the streets that have been heartworm positive and need treatment," Ms. Firestone said.
Paw-N-Hand's ultimate goal is to get Wayne County's pets off the streets and out of the shelter and give them a forever home.
For more information, email to info@paw-n-hand.org.