German Shepherd puppy left to die

Young Akela was a very happy puppy, doing all those fun things that puppies do. On the evening of March 25, Akela’s unexpected change of circumstances left her in a situation asking for help.

As usual, Akela and her owner were out for a routine evening walk. A 4x4 vehicle was driving by at a normal speed. For some unknown reason, the puppy got excited and came loose from the owner’s hand and jumped on to the road. The vehicle was driving slow and Akela’s owner made an impossible effort to get hold of his puppy. But, it was too late! The truck drove over the little dog and drove away. The owner was left in shock and could not believe what had happened. Akela was left screaming in pain. Her shrieks were so loud that neighbours came out of their homes to see what was going on.

Even though it was late in the evening, the motorist would have heard the puppy’s screams and the confusion amongst the neighbours. However, he accelerated and disappeared down the road.

Akela was rushed to the emergency section of a nearby veterinary hospital where she was immediately hospitalised. She has third degree burns from the accident over one third of her body and has lost a third of her body weight. She is fighting an infection at the moment and needs constant care in a sterile environment. Every alternate day, the puppy has to visit the veterinarian to get the bandages changed and despite being in so much pain, she is still extremely friendly.

For the next six months, she will be needing regular treatment and will go through a series of plastic surgeries intending to narrow down the damage area. As much as the clinic is trying to help, there will be a cost involved. Akela’s owner has been out of a job for the past two months and is currently attending all job interviews that he can find. He will continue to pay for the puppy’s treatment as soon as he gets an employment offer. Should anyone wish to help with her treatment, kindly email us at info@friendsofanimalsdxb.com or call 0507706711.

We are also starting an online petition, requesting the authorities for Law N16 for Animal Welfare to be reinforced, to help save more animal lives. The petition has over 2,400 signatures and was created in 2010. For more details go to log on http://www.friendsofanimalsdxb.com/apps/guestbook Or visit www.friendsofanimalsdxb.com.

The reader is the creative director of Friends of Animals in Dubai.

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