Optimistic to the Point of Foolishness

I will be participating with Team HUSL (Hamline University Law School) in the Animal Humane Society’s Walk for Animals. I would be honored if you chose to support my team and I with a donation by selecting the “make a donation in my honor” button on my page. Simply click the image above to access the site.

Your tax-deductible gift will make a difference in helping to ensure the health and welfare of more than 33,000 companion animals annually.

Please help us raise as much money as we possibly can to take care of these wonderful animals.

You can also donate directly to AHS if you would prefer.

Reblog to help spread the word, too!

A few months ago I posted the story of Chato, a dog the Atlanta Humane Society had helped after some horrible person thought it would be amusing to set the poor dog on fire. Luckily, a good Samaritan drove past in time to put the flames out and get him help.  This is an update they just e-mailed me and since Chato’s story received so much support on Tumblr last time I thought I would share it with you.

“”Chato” stole our hearts from the moment he entered our doors. He came to the Atlanta Humane Society Clinic on a cold November morning. Most of his body had suffered severe burns which engulfed large portions of his face, chest and front limbs. Clearly the act of a malignant individual(s). (At press time, the investigation is still being handled by the Assistant District Attorney). But even with the pain he had endured, Chato still looked upon AHS staff with a calm demeanor and hope in his eyes.

Due to the extent of his injuries, Atlanta Humane Society sought the assistance of the University of GA Veterinary School. Chato spent two long months at UGA, where his body and soul were nourished and treated by a very dedicated team of specialists. He endured the amputation of both ears as well as the removal on his left eye. As soon as he was cleared from secondary health issues related to the burning, Chato began the painstaking process of skin grafting. But along the medical processes something magical happened, something we witness quite often at AHS. His team of dedicated professionals connected with Chato, they formed a loving bond that often involved playtime in the yard, thanksgiving dinners and so much more.

As fate would have it, Chato’s previous owner thought it would be in his best interest to find him a new home. Chato’s new residence would be shared with his chief caretaker, one of the Veterinarians at UGA who handled his case from the start. A short few weeks later, Chato was cleared, and tears where shed as he was brought back to AHS to formalize the adoption process. Staff rejoiced as they saw a once horribly tortured pet bounce and frolic like any of the other guests at the shelter. His wounds had healed and hair had begun to grow back. Most importantly, his new owner adored him.

As you read this, Chato is probably living the dream on a big fluffy couch sitting at home. As he approaches full recovery his new owner is making plans to make him a therapy dog whose specialty is to help children who have been burned. His owner hopes that his story will inspire hundreds, maybe thousands. Our staff at AHS can happily say he has already started that trend… with us.”