Flood victim puppy makes good
Accompanied by his new foster owner, Jackson walked into Grayslake's Save-A-Pet Adoption Center bright-eyed and eager for his medical checkup Saturday.
The Boston terrier/Beagle mix had come a long way since the day he was found eight weeks ago with severe injuries, lying alone on a flooded riverbank in central Illinois - a victim of flooding that stormed through the Midwest.
But on Saturday, the only telltale signs of his injuries were surgical scars on each of his hips, as he arrived at the pet center with his foster owner, Alisa McKeehan.
When Jackson, who is 2 years old, was found in Hancock County, his pelvis was shattered in six places and two torn ligaments had left one of his legs completely useless.
Save-A-Pet heard about Jackson's plight and officials there decided to pitch in and help, said Dana Dutsch, shelter manager at Save-A-Pet. She said the shelter covered the $2,000 operation and the dog's medical costs.
Without medical help, Jackson would have been euthanized by animal control.
During Saturday's checkup, the dog was examined by the shelter's animal health team and microchipped.
Even though Jackson may look fully recovered, he is sore and whimpers a little, McKeehan said.
"We have to make sure he doesn't overexert himself so he can heal properly," she said.
The dog will be staying with McKeehan at her home in Grayslake for the next two months.
"Jackson will be well taken care of at our home," said McKeehan. "We have a fenced-in backyard, baskets of toys, treats and another Boston terrier for him to play with. He will have everything that he needs."
Jackson will not be put up for adoption until he is fully recovered.
The adoption center is asking for donations to help cover the cost of Jackson's operation and recuperation. All donations should be made payable to Save-A-Pet Adoption Center at 31664 N. Fairfield Rd. Grayslake, Ill. 60046.
"We all hope that Jackson continues to progress in his recuperation and that he has a long, happy and healthy dog life," McKeehan said.