Letter to the Editor Thursday April 18, 2013

A bad day

Today was not a happy day for my husband and I.

While driving along Redan Road towards Kaitaia about mid-morning, a young dog (not much more than a puppy) ran in front of our car.

My husband managed to avoid it with the front wheels but we heard the bump as the back wheels went over the dog. My husband turned into the hospital car park and went back to find two ladies from the medical centre with the young dog. They said they were surprised it had not happened before as it had been running around the road on a number of previous occasions.

We took the dog to the vet clinic we use but there was no vet present, as they were both on calls, so they rang the other vet clinic to see if there was a vet available and we continued there. When the car door was opened the dog wagged his tail despite the fact that he must have been in considerable pain. He cried only when being lifted in and out of the car, and again when he was placed on the table, but he looked so trusting. He was in good condition, so someone had cared for him.

The vet asked if we would like to be notified of the outcome and we said we would. He said the outlook might not be too good.

A short time after arriving home I received a call from a lady at the vet clinic to advise that they had found the owner. Apparently someone working there had recognised the dog and rang the owner and they had arrived. I was so happy, as I hoped, perhaps, he was not too badly hurt and would survive to return home.

Unfortunately it was not to be, as some time later my husband received a call from the vet to advise that following an X-ray, which revealed multiple fractures, he was put down.

We were very sad as it was an accident that was totally preventable. If people do not have a suitable place to keep a pet dog safe I cannot understand why they even consider taking on the responsibility of an animal who will give you years of unconditional love.

YVONNE AND DAVE SMITH

Animal Lovers