Embracing a second chance

By Kelli Comer

Every animal deserves a chance at living its best life and luckily for them, organizations like Lake Humane Society are compassionately focused on providing help to these animals that cannot help themselves.

In late December 2022, Hotch, a 2-month-old golden retriever puppy, was brought to Lake Humane Society (LHS) directly after being confiscated by Eastlake Police. His femur had been shattered due to alleged blunt force trauma to the leg, seen by a good Samaritan and reported to the police, who found Hotch lying motionless on the ground outside. LHS acted immediately, sedating little Hotch for radiographs and emergency surgery. A second operation is required after healing to remove the metal plate in his leg since he’s a growing boy, which will require a recovery time of 4-6 weeks.

The healing hands and hearts of humans stepped in at just the right time to ensure that he was cared for and given a new lease on life, courtesy of LHS’s Angel Fund.

Megan Newkirk, director of shelter operations at LHS, reports that Hotch’s femur is healing well. “We will continue to monitor his leg every two weeks. He is recovering in a foster home where they are keeping a close eye on his pain and activity.

Northeast Ohioans heard the call to action for Hotch and responded in kind by exceeding the $7,000 goal for his treatment. All donations to the Angel Fund help pay for life-saving surgeries for pets like Hotch. For 15 years, this fund has provided extensive and emergency veterinary care to animals in need. It propels LHS’s lifesaving mission forward by ensuring they can give second chances to all homeless animals, regardless of expense.

Lake Humane Society and Adoption Center is located at 7564 Tyler Boulevard, Building E in Mentor. To get involved and make a difference in the lives of animals in need, visit LakeHumane.org or call 440-951-6122 for more information. Disclaimer: this is an ongoing court case, therefore, all allegations of abuse towards animals are alleged.