NASCAR Driver Tony Stewart Helps Injured Dog
HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. — Reports of dogs being hit by cars are on the rise in Hamilton County and shelter officials said the economic downturn is partly to blame.
Workers at the Hamilton County Humane Society shelter said they have seen a sharp increase in the number of animals being struck by vehicles, 6News’ Jennifer Carmack reported.
“We’re observing more hit by cars this year than we had last year,” said David Landau.
Shelter workers said one of the reasons is that many families simply can’t afford to care for their pets anymore so they’re letting them go. And that means more dogs and other animals are out wandering, looking for food.
That was likely the case for Helen, a 5-year-old beagle brought in last weekend with two broken hips after being struck by a car.
“She’s in relatively good condition, despite her injuries,” Landau said. “She’s not under nourished, so we suspect she was someone’s family pet.”
A few days after Helen was hit, Henley, a 3-year-old shih tzu, was brought in with a broken back, likely from a similar accident.
As the shelter looked for ways to cover the cost of his surgery, the case caught the eye of a fellow shih tzu owner, race car driver Tony Stewart.
“Tony Stewart loves animals. He has dedicated a portion of his foundation to supporting organizations, which provide care for abused, endangered or homeless animals, as well as supporting programs that provide animal welfare through specific programming,” said Joni Thompson, executive director of the Indianapolis-based Tony Stewart Foundation.
Doctors said Henley, with the help of a device to support his hind legs, will have many happy years ahead of him.
As for Helen, she had surgery this week and is on her way to recovery as well. The shelter still needs to find her a home and a way to pay her $2,000 medical bill.
In the meantime, Lori Price and her family will foster the pup and help nurse her back to health.
“If everything works out, then maybe we can have her,” Price said.
More information about the animals and ways to donate can be found on the shelter’s Web site.
From: TheIndyChannel.com
