My turn...

...to convince them to try a splint instead of putting the dog down.

Mine's a 2 day old gunshot wound. They didn't bring it in sooner, because they didn't want to pay an emergency fee. Guess what--they also wouldn't pay for radiographs, or anything more involved than cleaning/debriding the wounds and putting a splint on the leg. So I don't know how badly the leg is fractured, except that the bone is visible where the bullet passed through the leg. There's a gouge out of the back surface of the bone (jnau--tibia, gastroc tendon appears intact), but I've no idea how far up the bone the cracks have gone.

So...bets anybody? I'd do a poll but apparently I have to have a paid account to do that. so just drop your votes in the comment section. How will this case go?

1: Several weeks of bandage changes and splinting, dog'll heal up relatively fine.

2a: Bone will fracture completely, owner opt for amputation.
2b: Bone will fracture completely, owner opt for euthanasia.

3a: Exposed bone will die, forming sequestrum, owner opt for amputation.
3a: Exposed bone will die, forming sequestrum, owner opt for euthanasia.

PeTA rant (everybody duck)

I found the following in my email box this week.

Sponsor a doghouse and give a needy dog a warm, safe haven.

As an "Angel for Animals" doghouse sponsor, you'll help PETA construct and deliver durable doghouses for backyard dogs in poor neighborhoods. Our doghouses are made of solid wood and are built to last. We fill them with fluffy straw bedding—dogs love to curl up inside, where they are protected from winter storms! For many neglected backyard dogs, this is the first "home" that they've ever had. It is amazing to see the positive effect that basic shelter has on these dogs' lives.

Last year, PETA gave 420 backyard dogs shelter from the elements, which they had been exposed to every single day. With your help as an "Angel for Animals," we can protect hundreds more this winter.

As a doghouse sponsor, you'll receive the following:

* A certificate with a "before" and "after" photo illustrating the difference that your gift has made for one lucky dog
* Special mention on our exclusive "Angel for Animals" Web site
* The joy of knowing that a once-forgotten dog is safe and sound in his or her new home—this winter and beyond—thanks to you

At first, I was just going to delete it and move on, but this line caught my eye: "Last year, PETA gave 420 backyard dogs shelter..."

Fourhundred and twenty. That's it? what the fuck? I mean really--they've got thousands of people giving them money, they're running a massive winter fund raising drive, spouting off about how they'll help so many animals, and 420 dog houses is all they can manage?

Good freaking grief, I single-handedly helped more animals than that in a year working at the humane society.

So here's my take on it. Like animals? Good. Go down to your local shelter and ask them if they know anybody that needs a dog house. Then take them a dog house; buy a dog-loo or make one out of scrap wood--they're not that difficult to build. Or donate a bag of dog food.
No humane society close by? Stop by a vet clinic and ask if they work with a dog rescue or feral cat society, or even if they just have a particularly deserving low-income client, and make a donation to their account.

Bet you all that if everybody that reads this does something simple, we can make a helluva bigger effect than if we all sent the money to PeTA. And we wouldn't be funding their illegal assault/arson sidelines.