Olivia and Metro Paws’ Dr. Menges
Like many other pet lovers, I found the highly publicized story of Olivia, “the coffee can dog,” disturbing and hard to forget. Olivia was rescued in Dallas by a good Samaritan back in October. Photos of the dog looked grim, and it appeared there was little hope that a dog could withstand such misery and neglect.
Curious about how the dog was doing, I called rescue group Animal Allies of Texas (which began hosting adoptions and vaccine/microchip clinics in Casa Linda Plaza this past weekend.) Melody Hamilton, a volunteer for the rescue group, says many East Dallas residents were a major part of the effort to keep Olivia alive.
Metro Paws Animal Hospital partnered with Animal Allies of Texas several years ago after connecting with Dr. Jennifer Lavender when she volunteered in a Kaufman County low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Metro Paws provides medical treatment for many of the dogs rescued by Animal Allies.
“They were amazing,” Hamilton says of the Metro Paws staff. “The techs were amazing. We love our A&M vets. God bless them.”
Through funding from Animal Allies, Metro Paws was able to perform the surgeries required to remove the can that was jammed four inches into Olivia’s neck so that she could regain the energy to move and be able to eat again. Olivia lived at the Metro Paws clinic through the end of December while she recovered from her surgeries.
Olivia with her foster mom, Sherlyn
Bernadette Fisher, owner of Angelo’s, also has been partnering with Animal Allies of Texas for several years after adopting one of their rescue dogs. Every year Fisher hosts a fundraiser to raise money for veterinary services for rescued dogs that are in dire need of medical treatment. This past November, her fundraiser was dedicated to Olivia and raising funds for her treatment.
After successful treatment, Olivia moved in with her foster mom, Sherlyn Wiggs of Old East Dallas, in late December. Olivia’s scars from the coffee can are becoming harder to notice as her hair grows back. According to Hamilton, “Olivia is doing great, has gained weight, and can play fetch and tug-of-war. She has heartworms but should finish her treatment for them within a couple months. Sherlyn will likely adopt Olivia.”
Although Olivia still needs donations for heartworm treatment and follow-up visits at the clinic, Hamilton is thrilled about her progress.
“Ninety days ago, Olivia was on the brink of death,” Hamilton says. “Where were you 90 days ago?”
