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Jackson’s Tale: With a Lot of Help from Special Friends
Not Even an Injury Can Keep a Good Dog Down
NEW ORLEANS, LA (6/12/08) – When you enter the administrative
offices of the Louisiana SPCA you’ll likely be greeted by the
energetic leaps of Jackson, a spotted, bright-eyed Catahoula mix
puppy that is overjoyed just at the thought of telling you
hello.
 A
dog full of energy at the LA/SPCA isn’t an unusual sight, but
when you consider that Jackson came back to the LA/SPCA as a
return adoption just last month with a severely torn ACL in his
rear left leg, his jumping, running and playing is an amazing
sight to witness. It’s also a testament to the way that
individuals and organizations step up to the plate to make a
difference in the lives of animals. Such was the case with VCA
Airline Animal Hospital, when they agreed to take on Jackson’s
case at no cost.
All the animals that enter the LA/SPCA capture the hearts of
staff and volunteers, and Jackson was no different.
Unfortunately, the LA/SPCA, a non-profit, open admission
shelter, does not have the expensive clinic equipment and
resources at hand to perform such an extensive surgery. However,
when they mentioned Jackson’s case to the staff at VCA Airline
Animal Hospital all the cards fell together in Jackson’s favor.
Led by Dr. Walter G. Haines and hospital manager Charlie
Robinson, the team offered to perform the surgery to repair the
torn ligament as a teaching case, as well as assist in Jackson’s
recovery. In addition to Dr. Haines, Dr. Audrey Hess, a member
of the veterinary team there, also assisted in the surgery.
“We saw Jackson come to the shelter on two occasions, first as
an owner surrender and then as a return adoption due to his
injury. Our behaviorist on staff Loretta Lambert rallied for
Jackson because she recognized his potential as a great
companion and someone’s perfect pet, despite his injury. We’re
delighted and extremely grateful to VCA Airline Animal Hospital
for coming to Jackson’s aid in performing the needed surgery,”
said Ana Zorrilla, LA/SPCA’s CEO.
LA/SPCA staff member Elizabeth Spence has been fostering Jackson
during his recovery, and her biggest task in that process has
been helping Jackson control his amazing energy and zest for
life. “Within his second week you’d hardly guess that he’d just
had major surgery,” said Spence. Due to his high-energy, the LA/SPCA
recommends a family that can provide Jackson with an active and
stimulating lifestyle. “If you’re a couch potato, you wouldn’t
be the best fit for him,” said Spence, “but if you can offer
Jackson an active home-life he’s your guy.” Spence, who has two
dogs and one cat, also feels that Jackson may be a better fit in
a home as an only dog.
The Louisiana SPCA’s volunteer off-site adoption team will have
Jackson and many other wonderful pets on-hand for adoption this
Saturday at VCA Airline Animal Hospital, 5105 Airline Dr., from
12:30pm-3:00pm.
JACKSON’S HAPPY ENDING: A PERFECT MATCH INDEED
 NEW
ORLEANS, LA (6/13/08) – Yesterday the Louisiana SPCA introduced
you to one of its adoptable pets, Jackson, a 6-month-old
Catahoula mix who had recently undergone major surgery to repair
a torn ligament. Scheduled to go up for adoption this Saturday
at an LA/SPCA off-site adoption day, Jackson went out for what
he thought would be yet another brief potty break and instead
found himself in the joyful arms of his new human Christine
Seaworth.
And what makes this match so perfect? Christine Seaworth just
happens to be Dr. Seaworth, an orthopedic surgeon currently
doing her residency at LSU’s School of Medicine. For an active
pup like Jackson, still recovering from surgery to his rear leg,
he will never have to worry about finding a doctor who makes
house calls.
Christine met Jackson yesterday when coming to the LA/SPCA to
adopt a pet. However, before searching for her new friend she
happened to stop by the office with her friend and LA/SPCA
Advisory Council member Tazzie Colomb, who was making a donation
to the shelter. Christine met Jackson and immediately saw
something special in him, but decided to still meet some of the
other shelter animals. However, Jackson and his story struck a
chord with Christine and she quickly realized he was the one!
Staff came out to bring Jackson to Christine just as he was
being taken out for a potty break. For Jackson, it had to have
been the best break ever.
For foster mom and LA/SPCA staff member Elizabeth Spence, she’ll
miss his presence but is excited for Jackson. “I’ll miss ‘Action
Jackson’, but I’m thrilled that he found a great home with
Christine. They live near a park, and I know he will be active
and happy in his new home,” said Spence. The LA/SPCA is also
grateful to VCA Airline Animal Hospital’s team for coming to
Jackson’s aid.
Although Jackson now has a home, there are still many more
wonderful furred friends that are available for adoption from
the Louisiana SPCA.
When you are ready for your next family member, we hope you will
consider coming by 1700
Mardi Gras Blvd.,
stopping by one of our
adoption
days, or visiting a satellite center for cats.
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