'Hope' springs eternal

I'm a vet tech student at St. Petersburg College, a volunteer at the SPCA of Hernando County and a vet tech in training at the Animal Care Center of Weeki Wachee, so I get to see a lot of interesting cases.

When a severely abused animal comes in to the SPCA, I try covering every avenue in reaching as many people as possible for the sake of humane education. People need to know that even in a small community such as Hernando County, animals are not immune from abuse and torture and human selfishness.

This was the circumstance on Jan. 29. A man spotted a puppy roaming the neighborhood and thought nothing of it. A couple days later, he was in his own yard when that same pup came running up to greet him. That's when he noticed the injured tail and immediately brought her to the SPCA.

At closer inspection, fishing wire was found to be tied tightly around her tail in three places, cutting off circulation and causing each section to bleed and swell, in what appeared to be an attempt at "tail docking."

Based on the tail's infected condition and the puppy's level of pain and discomfort, it was a clear case of animal abuse and torture. Tail docking - or amputation of the tail - is a common procedure in some breeds, but is usually done when a puppy is two to eight days old with little or no anesthesia.

Being that this puppy was 12 weeks old, the only humane way of docking her tail (if you can call cutting off a tail humane in the first place) would be to have it surgically amputated by a licensed veterinarian who can provide anesthesia, pain relief and antibiotics.

This puppy's name is now Hope. She is a pit bull mix and is four to five months old.

I have personally fostered Hope since her second day. She underwent a successful surgery for a tail amputation on her fourth day and has recovered completely from her trauma.

Although she had some "pathetic" moments, her will and resilience never slipped. She has been in the potty training, teething, cuddling, always wanting to play, harassing and chasing kitties, always hungry, in need of discipline, typical puppy mode ever since.

Animals never cease to amaze me! No matter what they endure at the hand of one person, their capacity for forgiveness and love is never depleted!

I just feel in my heart that each "second chance" case such as this can be used to strengthen my pursuit and dedication in humane education. You just never know who is listening or who will remember; but if just one time, something I did or said along the way makes a difference for just one animal down the line, then it's so worth the effort to get these messages out there.

Hope is up to date on her shots and will be spayed. As of Friday, she will be available for adoption and hopefully be able to find her forever family.

I would like to believe her torturous beginning didn't happen in vain and can serve a greater purpose. By sharing her story, we can reach out and potentially touch the hearts of many people, while providing humane education and bringing awareness to the need of donations and volunteers at the SPCA of Hernando County and, quite possibly, help in finding the happily-ever-after that Hope so deserves. How cool would that be?

Applications for Hope's adoption will be accepted. Her adoptive family will require approval by the SPCA Board members to ensure she has the best home for her needs. The SPCA of Hernando County is located at 9075 Grant St., off Sunshine Grove Road, in Brooksville. The animal shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day and can be contacted at 352-596-7000.

Tracie Steger

Brooksville