Public Comes To Aid Of Retriever

By RICK GUNTER
CREWE, Va. -- An outpouring of love and financial donations greeted recent news about the injury of a Golden Retriever owned by a Crewe family.

The story of Sandy, a Golden Retriever owned by Grace White of 101 West Pennsylvania Ave., prompted calls of interest and concern as well as financial contributions.

The 7-year-old female retriever was struck by a driver on Carter Street late last month. Its hip was broken and there remains a wound on the dog's leg.

When The Journal reported the story in a recent edition, the full extent of the injuries was unknown. A followup visit with Dr. Mike Kaski, of Countryside Veterinary Center in Amelia County, late last week showed that the dog suffered no internal injuries, according to White.

"But Sandy still needs to be operated on," White said. "They tell me that this is a necessary operation."

The Journal originally reported that costs of the surgery and after-care could run as high as $5,000.

That figure has been rolled back to between $1,300 to $1,800, said White. One contributor gave $250, a truly generous deed in behalf of man's best friend.

The public, reacting to the dog's plight, had contributed more than $800 in the days immediately following the first Journal story on the dog. The total reached more than $1,400 in more recent days and some $5,500 has been pledged.

White had said that she would have the dog put to sleep unless she can come up with the money to have the operation done.

"Sandy will remain in pain without the operation, and I cannot stand to have that happen."

Late last week, White learned her dog needs two operations, one on her hip and the other on the leg. The first surgery is planned for the week of April 17.

White, who acquired the dog on Mother's Day, 2000 in Kansas, views the dog as a "daughter." Golden Retrievers have an innate way of winning such affection. They truly are "people dogs," and their loyalty and love for their masters and others in their circle bring out the best in dog and people.

These dogs also are very democratic in that they move from one person to another in a household.

Even when the dog clearly was hurting and had not used the "restroom" last week, she responded warmly to a stranger from The Journal who visited the White home.

The other good news is that White has been able to motivate Sandy to do her toilet business outside the White home.

Sandy also has been able to "play" some with her best canine friend, "Buddy," a Jack Russell terrier that lives next door and is owned by Kate Burcham.

While Sandy's injuries are no longer considered life-threatening, the retriever may still be in pain until an operation is performed.

"We will have the operation," said White, who expressed thanks to the public for helping her special dog through a difficult period for it and Sandy's family.

The Journal, at least in this decade, has not received as many calls on a story than it did on this one. People expressed concerns and love, and Sandy's plight probably also helped some dog owners appreciate their canine buddies all the more.

Those wishing to contribute to pay for Sandy's surgery are asked to do so at Booker's Supply in downtown Crewe or send the money to Countryside Veterinary, P.O. Box 469, Amelia, Va. 23002.