Donations sought to help dog caught in coyote trap
Doctors and staff at Oak Pointe Veterinary Care in Dover are asking for help from the community. Tuesday evening, Bubba, a six-year-old black lab mix was found caught in a foothold coyote trap. His desperate attempts to free himself resulted in multiple fractures to his front leg.
Bubba's elderly disabled owner adopted him from the Tuscarawas County Dog Pound in 2009 and since they have been inseparable. “He's like a child to him,” said Heather Stemple, Oak Pointe's receptionist. “He is shy and was embarrassed to ask for help because he knew he couldn't afford the surgery for Bubba. I wish people could meet Bubba, and see how special he is. Despite all the pain he is in, his tail is wagging and he is handling everything very well. Not once has he been aggressive. I think he knows we want to help him. ”
Ideally Bubba needs pins, screws and plates, a procedure that cannot be done locally or affordably. Oak Pointe's Dr. Mike Brothers believes he can set the fractures and support the bones with titanium screws. Stemple explained the worst-case scenario for Bubba would be amputation. “We know plenty of three-legged dogs that get along just fine,” she said. “They have no issues, but Dr. Brothers thinks the surgery will be successful.”
Donations are being sought to pay for Bubba's surgery. Contributions can be sent to Oak Pointe Veterinary Care, 3165 Reese Road, Dover, Ohio 44622. For more information about Bubba or ways to help, call 330-343-8881.