Hit and Left... the closure

[This is a update to the "Hit and Left" entry below. Please read it first]

Sad news this evening.

The Vet clinic called to say that the blood tests on Franz were not good. He had a very elevated white-blood count, and signs of severe kidney and liver damage. They also believed he had tumors in his organ(s), and internal bleeding. They recommended euthanizing him.

Reluctantly, I had to agree. He was old and with these injuries, his life was going to be short and painful. Still, it was a tough decision.

So sad, no micro-chip. No collar or tags. No owner to call, nobody to mourn him, or miss him.

Later this night, they did the autopsy at my request. Here is part of the email I received from Dr. Friz:

Dear Mia,

the dog had a bad tumor in the liver and was hit by a car: bleeding in the abdomen, one of the kidneys was completely damaged. Thanks for collecting him and put him out of his misery.

Dorothea

Dear Franz, we are so sorry this was the end for you. But glad you are no longer in pain. Your work on earth this time is done. Bon voyage. Say hello to Morris for us.

Hit and Left

I am now back from LegaProAnimale, --Vet. clinic-- after dropping off an injured stray that was hit by a car and left on the street hurt in front of our Parco.
My husband came back this morning after a training event, and asked if I had seen the dog laying up on the median?

Yes I had, and now I found the opportunity to run up and see if the dog was ok.

Alberto from the animal store spotted me, Antionella from the flower store saw me, I signaled to them that this was an injured dog. I could see blood running from his nose.

When trying to get closer the dog tried to get away wobbling on his back legs. My wonderful husband came driving with my SUV and went out trying to stop the traffic (or slow down) so the dog wouldn't get hit again. Antionella, me and another Italian worked in a circle to try to corner and catch him. The Italian got my leash loop and threw it over the dogs head. Todd pulled up with the "rescue" SUV. The dog tried snapping at us (I would do the same, he was simply acting normal given the situation) so we put a jacket over his head before lifting him into the SUV. And off I went to the Vet clinic, missing my appointment with Jack at the obiedience training.

At LegaProAnimale, Dr. Gigi and Dr Friz came out and brought him in for examination. What I love with the vets AWL works with --- same goes for our own Dr. Inga --- is to watch them work gently, calm and loving with the strays.

Fortunately, nothing was broken, but he was bleeding from his male part, and nose. Probably internal bleeding as well. They put an IV in and did a blood test before I left.

Later today I will call to see how "Franz" is doing (I asked a trainee to name him for me). Please have Franz in your prayers.

Thank you Todd for your support even if you were in a hurry to get back to work. You took time helping this injured stray that was hit by a car, and left to die. Alberto and Antionella and "Italian man", without you I couldn't have caught the stray. Thank you for your big heart(s). And to you who donated money to AWL, he can now be treated, and get good care. Amore thank you all (tutti)

Picture will come up later--and update