New details about a story we were first to tell you about this weekend. Grizzly is a dog that was hurt in a car accident last Tuesday and we've learned he'll need an expensive surgery.
There are several treatment options, but the vet says the best one is a hip replacement. Grizzly will have to go to an out of town specialist for the surgery and it won't be cheap. With that surgery he is expected to make a full recovery, but his owner needs your help to make it happen.
Wind Bearheart and her two dogs were riding in a car that was totaled in an accident last week, "I had somebody looking out for me and my animals including the people who have been helping me and my dog out since the accident."
Bearheart was airlifted to the hospital. Her Husky named Chance is okay, but her Newfoundland named Grizzly dislocated his hip. Dr. Gary Thompson took x-rays of Grizzly's hip today, "The trauma popped the ligament that holds the ball and socket of his hip out. Something hits you at 35 miles an hour and a 160 pound dog becomes a projectile, he's lucky it wasn't worse."
Bearheart says Grizzly is actually more like a big teddy bear, "Grizzly is very laid back, he loves people, he loves his toys and his Scooby Snacks. He likes his chicken and rice heated up. He likes to fetch and he loves to run."
But he's having a tough time walking let alone running since the accident. Bearheart, Grizzly and Chance are a familiar site around town. The two dogs are often her mode of transportation, pulling her around the area in a sled with wheels, "I have a kick sled and I hook them up in a harness. We go to the meat market, the library, the docks on the east side. We go anywhere from 2-20 miles every day or every other day, so they get their exercise."
Monday's trip to the vet confirmed that Grizzly needs surgery and while there are a few options, Dr. Thompson says a hip replacement is the best, "He may not be able to run marathons, but he will be able to get around and pain free with a new hip that will last his lifetime."
The surgery alone will cost up to $6,000 and then there will likely be therapy as well. Bearheart does not have the money to pay for it. If you'd like to make a donation, the Grizzly fund has been set up at 5/3 bank. You can donate at any local branch. Bearheart says she will also need treatment for her injuries, but she says Grizz is her main concern right now.
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