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Injured dog on road to recovery
Rocky was rescued by homeless man after being run down by kid on bike
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Thursday, May 22, 2008
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![[Image]](/content_images/052208_par-01.jpg) |
| Both of Rocky’s front legs were broken when an unidentified youth ran him over with a bicycle. |
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PINELLAS PARK - A homeless man rescued a small dog that was deliberately chased down by a young boy on a bicycle and run over.
Rocky, an approximately 2-year-old mixed breed dog, is in casts and has since learned to walk and even run on its back legs.
It’s believed that he once had a home, but either ran away or was abandoned on the streets by its owners.
The pooch was left to fend for itself after the young boy amused himself by running over the dog and then riding off.
But a homeless man, who remains unidentified, saw the incident unfold. He picked up the yelping injured canine, soothed him with kind words and carried it to the Solid Rock Ministries, a St. Petersburg shelter for street people, where James L. Wallace called Friends of Strays.
Now Rocky, who was named after the shelter, must undergo a series of operations and therapy so that he can again walk like a normal dog.
But those medical costs can easily exceed $5,000 or more, and that’s with the discount that a local veterinary hospital is providing.
It is hoped that the lovable pooch can someday be offered up for adoption.
“The homeless man who witnessed the incident is an animal lover and he did the right thing,” said Lynn Curry, president of Friends of Strays. “He has stopped by our shelter a few times to see how Rocky is doing.” The youngster who ran down the innocent pup is between 9 and 11 years old.
No other description is available, but it’s hoped that he bragged to friends about his ill deed. Persons with information are urged to call police.
Rocky is described as a shy, but very playful dog who has taught himself to balance and walk on his hind legs since his front ones are in casts. He runs, jumps up and down stairs and can otherwise navigate around his temporary home that is being provided by Curry.
“We have two other dogs and six cats to keep Rocky company,” Curry said.
Friends of Strays has established a special account to help pay for Rocky’s past and future medical costs. Curry and her husband, Mark, and their two daughters, Arin and Faith, take turns providing for the injured dog.
Because of the leg casts Rocky has taught himself to eat like a giraffe, splaying his legs so he can reach food and water bowls. The Curry family has provided elevated platforms for dog dishes.
Friends of Strays will soon celebrate its 30th anniversary. For the past 30 years an unidentified local veterinary clinic has been providing free and discounted services for injured animals.
Although Curry would like to see the dog’s assailant arrested, she points out that the goal of Friends of Strays is not to prosecute animal abusers.
That’s up t such organizations as the SPCA, the Pinellas County Humane Society and other organizations.
“Our money is best spent caring for the animals,” Curry said.
There are always reports of animal abuse, but Rocky’s case is unusual because of the sheer violence.
Persons interested in donating money for Rocky’s medical expenses should make their checks out to “Friends of Strays” and mail them to Friends of Strays, 2911 47th Ave. No., St. Petersburg, FL 33714.
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Article published on Thursday, May 22, 2008
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