GINA is 4-5 year old sable female was picked up as a stray. She was dirty and matted and in heat. She spent a short time in a foster home after she was spayed.

Now she's living a happy new life with the Thompson family.

When Rescue was called we found a filthy, matted 2-3 year-old tri-colored male obviously in pain with a totally useless left front leg. He had lacerations on his front paws and one hip. And gentle eyes. He made no protest when the animal control officer stuffed him into the crate in the back of our car, or when the vet carried him into the examining room. He wagged his tail while he was examined and his broken leg was manipulated. When his toes were pinched to test for nerve damage he cried, but made no attempt to growl, snap or even pull away from the vet. The x-ray confirmed the diagnosis of a complicated 'butterfly' fracture that should be repaired with a plate and screws. Lance stretched out on his side and wagged as the vet explained our very clear-cut options: put him down or spend a lot of money.

The dog was young, nice, and repairable: we spent the money. That's why Rescue exists. Lance endured three hours of surgery during which a plate and screws were inserted to repair his leg. After two more surgeries over six months to loosen and then remove the screws, he recovered without even a limp. He was adopted by his foster home and is a robust 11 years now.

Thanks to the caring generosity of our supporters Lance didn't have to die because of a broken leg.