<p>A week ago yesterday, our beloved English Setter, Patch, was hit by a truck in a devastating accident in front of our house. Though the driver of the truck simply sped away, thankfully a neighbor of ours was outside and saw the entire set of events. Apparently Patch was hit in front of our home but DRAGGED some 7 houses down UNDER the truck!!! Had it not been icy and snowy, he’d have died immediately. As it was, the was sort of slid along the ice and snow and suffered injuries less severe than they would have been on pavement. </p>
<p>When we first got him to the emergency vet, he did not have use of his hind legs. X-rays revealed that he had no obvious spinal fractures, but there was perhaps some trauma to the spinal cord itself…they weren’t sure at the time. He also had pockets of air outside his lungs and heart and a cracked rib and of course, was generally roughed up.</p>
<p>The vet was not overly optimistic. Patch is 13 years old and therefore would not have the same type of youthful recovery as a younger dog. Nevertheless, after several days at the vet’s, he began to make some considerable improvement and to use his hind legs. After about three days, he came home (last Wednesday). He continued to make remarkable improvement, walking almost normally toward the weekend. </p>
<p>Yesterday, he seemed a bit weaker, though, and today, he could not stand up at ALL!!! I rushed him back into the vet’s office and they have put him on some prednisone to try and reduce any inflammation along the spinal cord. The kids do not know about this latest development…they were at school when I discovered this, so they’re going to be really upset this afternoon…</p>
<p>To any of you who might have some positive thoughts and wishes to send Patch’s way, I’d surely appreciate it. </p>
<p>Oh berurah…I’m sending my dog lover’s positive vibes your way. When I was a teenager our family dog was in a virtually identical accident. It was touch and go for weeks, but she made it through. I’ll pray Patch is just as fortunate.</p>
<p>Dear b, we also have a 13 yr old puppy. We just love him so much, and my heart just sunk as I was reading about Patch’s terrible accident. I hope he’s feeling better real soon. I know he couldn’t get any better love and care then you and your family will give him. Warm wishes coming your way from Virginia.</p>
<p>Oh no - I’m so sorry to hear about this. I hope that this is just a temporary setback for Patch and that he continues to make amazing progress. I can’t believe the circumstances of the accident - it sounds as if it was a miracle that he survived it. Please know that I will be thinking of Patch and please give him a nice scratch behind the ears for me! </p>
<p>{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} and</p>
<p>{{{{{{{{{WET NOSED LICKS}}}} from our four legged family member</p>
<p>Patch is in our prayers. Hoping for those back legs to perk up.
Our old deaf dog was run over in our driveway at about age 14. She was not dragged, but got a nasty burn from the exhaust pipe. It was sad & ugly, but she was bright eyed and hungry so we nursed her through and she lived to 16 :)</p>
<p>Did your neighbor get the license number of that truck? We can send a horde or marmots to give the driver what he deserves…which is not fit to priint here.</p>
<p>OMG- I am in tears. Please keep us posted. That makes me furious and I’m so worried about your precious Patch. Prayers coming his and your way from our family and pets.</p>
<p>Berurah - I am so sorry for your family, which of course includes Patches. By now you’ve had to tell your kids, and my heart really goes out to all of you.</p>
Had it not been icy and snowy, he’d have died immediately. As it was, the was sort of slid along the ice and snow and suffered injuries less severe than they would have been on pavement. </p>