Strays to the Rescue
Marlee
"A group of vet students had found the dog at our local pound. She had a partially amputated right foreleg. The remaining portion of the leg was infected and in dire need of attention. Surgery was required, and if left at the shelter, the dog would surely have been euthanized ... Marlee's sweet, gentle nature made me realize immediately that she would make a wonderful therapy dog. After a little fine-tuning at local obedience classes, we were ready ... Soon my brother-in-law, who is a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, suggested that Marlee's status as an amputee could make her a welcome addition to the therapy dogs visiting at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I contacted People Animals Love (PAL) and was fortunate enough to join their groups on visits to Walter Reed. Marlee was well received at the hospital, and I think she was a source of inspiration for some of the brave veterans who are returning from the Iraq war with missing limbs and other disabilities. Guys in wheelchairs marked "Purple Heart Combat Wounded" would say to this little dog, 'I know what you're going through' ... I will always be grateful to the students who saw potential in a badly injured dog and rescued her. Marlee has been a joy every day."
— Karen Lanz, veterinarian