Kindness and resolve save another animal in need

We often say in animal rescue that it takes a village. That is very true because it takes the effort of so many people and organizations to make an impact in the lives of animals who need help. And there seems to be no end to the number of animals who need help.

But helping an animal in need always starts with someone who makes the decision to get involved. It starts with someone who sees a vulnerable or hurt animal and stops everything he’s doing to render aid. It starts with someone who recognizes that the life of the injured or abandoned animal has value and the Good Samaritan wants to do everything she can to end the animal’s suffering.

So it was recently when Bill and Bertha Sheffield were driving west towards Macon on Interstate16 for a doctor’s appointment around 3 o’clock in the afternoon. As they were between Sgoda Road and Ocmulgee East Boulevard, Mr. Sheffield thought he saw something lying in the ditch beside the interstate.

When they stopped to check, they found a beautiful golden retriever mix alive but badly injured. They immediately called their daughter, Cathy Hackle, who has been involved in rescue for quite some time. She was at work and could not leave so she called animal control and the sheriff’s office for help. Knowing help was on the way and that they had to make their appointment, they left on their way certain the dog would be rescued.

After they finished their business in Macon they headed home east on I-16 around 6:30 p.m. When they approached the area where the hurt dog was spotted earlier they stopped to make sure she was gone. Much to their disappointment, the poor dog was still lying in the ditch hurt, suffering and in terrible pain.

They immediately came to her aid giving her liquids to drink and comforted her. Once again they called their daughter. At this point, Cathy begged for help on Facebook and the rescue wheels were set in motion.

There were people who jumped in to help and ultimately All About Animals agreed to come out to get the dog. But it would take a while. So Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield remained by the hurt dog’s side sitting beside the interstate for about two hours cradling the beautiful dog until help arrived.

All About Animals took the sweet girl they named Lottie to the doctor, who determined she had a broken pelvis and a deep wound in her leg. But she was too old and arthritic for surgery on her pelvis so they would keep her comfortable.

Much to everyone’s delight Lottie recovered and has now been adopted into a new home. She is basking in the love and security of a new family.

Yes, it takes a village. But it starts with making a decision to get involved. Thank goodness for Lottie Bill and Bertha Sheffield made that decision.

This story was originally published June 22, 2017 at 5:04 PM with the headline "Kindness and resolve save another animal in need."