By Michelle Cooper
SOME OF the good people of Terrace read my first article about Wolfie, the blind puppy at the City Animal Shelter.
They took it to heart and spread the word that dollars were needed for the eye surgery that could possibly give Wolfie partial sight.
And the loonies and toonies began to roll in.
As of last Wednesday, the total amount donated was $2,700 and rising. There is still one large and several smaller fundraisers coming up or in progress, so who knows how much will be raised in the end – perhaps enough to help the next animal in need as well.
You’ve got to give the people of Terrace full credit for imagination as well.
Some of the creative fundraising ideas included a cakewalk, a beanbag toss, giving up coffee for a week, redirecting quarters out of a classroom “potty-mouth” fund, travelling desk to desk with a coffee can to prod every employee to add a loonie, shovelling a neighbour’s driveway, and selling handmade bookmarks with pictures of puppies on them.
The dollars came from concerned adults, elementary, junior high and high school students, and local businesses.
Wolfie thanks you.
In addition to all of the dollars that have been coming in is the added bonus of one couple dropping by with a donation and falling in love with Wolfie to the point that they’ve decided to adopt him.
They’ve built a ramp to their door to make things easier for him and bought him a new bed and kennel.
They’ve had experience with a blind dog so they are well-suited to be good parents, whatever the outcome of the surgery.
Dr. Nagy, who is doing the surgery on March 10 with Dr. Farkvam assisting, is optimistic but realistic about the outcome.
Wolfie will never have perfect vision but, with luck, he will be able to see better than he does at present.
Following the hour-long operation, there could be complications in the form of infection, or a detached retina, so the doctors will decide if, and when, the second eye surgery will be an option.