A dog lucky to be alive, has been spending its time encouraging others who are facing hardships in Nashville.
“Hope,” a Walking Tree Coonhound, was found on the side of the road near Murfreesboro, and her foot was seriously injured.
“Once she laid down, you could see the extent of the injury,” said Britney Babbitt, who found Hope on the side of the road. “There was bone exposed. It was so bad.”
Babbitt took Hope to the veterinarian, where it was determined her leg would have to be amputated. She also reached out to several area rescue groups including, Middle Tennessee Treasures. The group started raising money to cover her medical bills.
“The outpouring of support was incredible,” said Lorie Clarimont, a volunteer with Middle Tennessee Treasures. “This little girl had a huge will to survive.”
After her infected leg was removed, Hope is happy and healthy and adjusting to life with three legs. Her recovery has been better than expected.
“She is very happy to be alive,” said Clairmont. “She is learning to trust people. She is just happy.”
Middle Tennessee Treasures teamed up with the Nashville Area Amputees support group to share Hope’s story. She attended the group’s meeting on Thursday night to encourage and empower humans living with limb loss.
“To see her and how she is thriving is fabulous,” said Susan Schmidt, the facilitator of the support group. “That is the message for an amputee. You are the same you. You are just missing a part.”
The visit helped Hope, and helped inspire participants.
“I would love to have her as a regular part of our meetings,” added Schmidt.
Hope is currently living with a foster family. Middle Tennessee Treasures will eventually put her up for adoption in hopes of finding a forever home. For more information on the rescue visit: www.middletennesseetreasures.com
The Nashville Area Amputees group meets on the first Thursday of every month. It is open to anyone who has lost a limb, or is a caregiver. For more information you can email Nashvilleareaamputees@gmail.com or call 615-973-9559.
