Meet Chip - The Chocolate Lab

May 24, 2008 - Chip is one lucky dog. His story didn't start out lucky, but thanks to the help of compassionate and generous friends, not to mention Chip's indomitable spirit, his future's looking bright!

Travellers on I-85 watched in disbelief as a dog fell out of the bed of a moving pick-up truck. They stopped to help the injured animal, but the driver of the truck just kept going. These Good Samaritans got the dog out of harm's way and brought him to the SHS for much needed help.

The dog, who we later named Chip, was seen immediately by SHS Veterinarian, Dr. Melissa Elledge. Dr. Elledge was amazed by Chip's attitude as she examined his injuries, "despite what had to be incredible pain, he just lay back, wagged his tail, and let me examine him." Dr. Elledge and clinic staff administered pain medication and carefully splinted his leg. Chip thanked them throughout the procedure with generous Labrador kisses.

X-rays revealed a serious fracture of his left front leg that would need to be repaired with surgery. Everyone who met Chip knew that he would make a wonderful companion and that he was eager to fill the role of best friend.

But we also knew that he could not be placed for adoption without first receiving surgery. Fortunately, the cost of the procedure could be covered through our Guardian Angel fund , designed to give animals like Chip the extra help they need to find a new permanent home.

Chip didn't know why we were all so happy, but he celebrated with us anyway with tail wags and more kisses, making music with the thump thump thump of his temporary cast.

Chip is recovering after a successful surgery at Pine Street Animal Hospital. Katherine Wakefield, an SHS volunteer and a generous Guardian Angel, visited Chip at Pine Street the day after his procedure. Not surprisingly, Katherine reported that Chip was in rare form, "he is just as happy as before the surgery, with maybe even more enthusiasm."

If Chip handles major surgery which such excitement, we can't wait to see his reaction to a new family that he can shower with love. He will be available for adoption in a few weeks after he has a chance to recover.

While we wish that Chip would never have ended up in the situation that brought him to us, we are glad that we could be here for him. And we are thankful to all the wonderful friends, good Samaritans, and Guardian Angels who team up with us to give extraordinary animals like Chip the second chance they deserve.

Read more about our Guardian Angel Fund and become a part of making a bright future for wonderful animals like Chip.