Heroes come in small packages - Pet forum for dogs cats and humans

twodogsandacat · #1 April 19th, 2006, 07:02 AM

A bad owner, three heroes on a mission and a pit bull. Four have outstanding character and compassion - one needs to be locked in a cage.

http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.as...60498&nav=0RZF

Rescued Pup Ready For Adoption

LOUISVILLE) -- Three young children are being honored by the Louisville Kennel Club, after they saved the life of a dog left for dead. Unfazed by the horrid conditions, or that the animal abandoned was a pit bull, these three "canine heroes" learned there's more to a dog, than meets the eye. WAVE 3 Investigator Eric Flack has their story.

Ten-year-old Nick Peak, 11-year-old Wyatt Medley, and his 6-year-old brother, Tristen, like to watch out for their neighbors.

"They're always rescuing something whether it be a salamander or a bug," says Wyatt and Tristen's mom, Robin.

So they boys weren't bothered when the animal that needed saving was a pit bull named "Bush."

"It would take a kid to do it honestly," said Lindsay Simmons, a Vet Tech at Stonefield Veterinary Associates in Louisville, which is now caring for Bush. "Because they don't know the hype, they don't know all the misconceptions."

The boys heard the call for help a couple weeks ago, while clearing brush behind their southwest Jefferson County homes.

"It sounded like a screeching kind of bark," Nick remembered.

They followed the howls to a chain link pen four doors down.

"The dog seemed kind of friendly," Wyatt said. "So we went in and there was poop everywhere."

Bush was starving. For food, water -- and attention.

"He was excited," Nick said. "He was jumping all the way up and touching the roof," Wyatt added, touching his hand to the tin roof of the 5-foot pen.

Bush had been abandoned for weeks. His owners moved out and just left him behind.

Knowing the breed, and its reputation, the boys decided their options were limited.

"If the pound would get it, they would kill it because they don't accept those dogs," Nick realized.

So Nick, Wyatt and Tristen decided they would take care of Bush. The water came from a nearby creek. The boys snuck food from homes.

For two weeks, the boys cared for bush behind their parents' back. But the dog was still losing weight -- from worms as it turned out. So the boys finally came clean, with just one request: don't let them put Bush to sleep.

"I mean if I didn't already have two dogs and two cats myself we would probably have the dog," Robin Medley said.

Instead, she called her councilman, who called the Louisville Kennel Club, who called Stonefield last Friday.

"We've all fallen in love with him," Simmons said as she held Bush in her lap.

For sure, Bush, about as calm and docile a pit bull as they come, has a fan club.

"He's really awesome. He loves everybody," Simmons said. "He's a happy boy."

Dr. Curt Oliver and his staff nursed Bush back to health. All he needs now is a good home.

"And after what he's been through," Dr. Oliver said, "he deserves it."

You don't have to be a doctor to figure that out.

"We hope it gets a good home and nobody treats it like it used to be treated," Wyatt said.

If you are interested in adopting Bush, call Royalton Kennels at 502-239-XXXX.

For their efforts, all three boys were given memberships to the Louisville Zoo for kindness to an animal in distress.

Online Reporter: Eric Flack

Online Producer: Michael Dever

Beaglemom · #2 April 19th, 2006, 07:33 AM

What great kids! Very nice ending. I'm glad to hear that this poor abused dog will finally have the good life he deserves. I think we may have some future rescuers! I just wish there were more people out there like these kids who can see the good in all animals, regardless of breed stereotypes.

Invicta · #3 April 19th, 2006, 01:05 PM

That's great! Such brave kids. I'm so happy that they took care of him and people listened to them about not putting him down.

divinecalamity · #4 April 19th, 2006, 02:29 PM

That's a wonderful story, I hope everything works out for that pup. Those are some great kids

chico2 · #5 April 19th, 2006, 04:02 PM

Their mom and dad must be very proud and they have obviously taught those boys to love animals.
I certainly hope Bush will find a loving home,great story:love:
The former owners should be located and punished for animal-cruelty,before they do the same to another dog.

Joey.E.CockersMommy · #6 April 19th, 2006, 06:42 PM

That is sweet just brought a tear to my eye.

I just asked my kids what they would do if they found a sick lost dog. The older one said take him to a vet - the younger said keep him at our house until he gets better. Then put up a sign that says " if your missing your dog we have him right here"

jesse's mommy · #7 April 19th, 2006, 06:55 PM

I love that story.

babyrocky1 · #8 April 19th, 2006, 09:56 PM

Thats sooo wonderful!

seeker · #9 April 20th, 2006, 07:52 PM

Another example of a good pitbull that would have had every justification to be bad if you take his treatment by his previous owners into account . How lucky he was to have had good people finally come into his life.