PUHI — Anela, translated from Hawaiian means “angel,” is a miracle dog, said Luana Bacon, the Kaua‘i Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals foster coordinator.
“This poor girl was shot in the head at point-blank range and left to die on a beach in Kekaha about three months ago,” Bacon said while scratching Anela’s sweet spot to comfort the recovering animal estimated to be about 2 years old.
“A caring visitor called the officers, who had a big part in saving her life. Anela was brought to the Kaua‘i Humane Society, where she was immediately transferred to the Kaua‘i SPCA, and brought to a local veterinary clinic, where she received lifesaving care for two weeks,” said Bacon.
The attending veterinarian discovered the bullet had entered through the dog’s skull, traveled through the hard palate and tongue, shattering the mandible, or lower jaw bone, before exiting at a point below her jaw.
“The doctor and the clinic were absolutely amazing,” Bacon said. “Anela slowly started to respond to the supportive care, and even started to wag her tail and enjoy affection. It is truly a miracle that she survived such an act of cruelty.”
Following two weeks of critical care at the clinic, Anela was released into a foster home under the Kaua‘i SPCA Second Chance program. The program accepts animals from the Kaua‘i Humane Society and the public that have severe medical or behavioral needs and assists them with their lifesaving goals.
Bacon said an orthopedic surgeon was brought to Kaua‘i from O‘ahu to perform her jaw reconstruction surgery, and is due back this week to check on her recovery process in the foster home, where she continues to be fed with a feeding tube.
“Hopefully, her recovery is well enough (that) the feeding tube can be removed,” Bacon said. “She gets stronger and happier each day. Through her amazing strength and bravery, she survived the bullet to her head.”
Bacon said Anela’s medical bills have been astronomical, and has put a strain on the Kaua‘i SPCA budget. A GoFundMe account has been established to help with Anela’s medical expenses and the Kaua‘i SPCA budget.
“We are excited to announce that we received a generous grant to help Anela from Greater Good and some (other) very special donors,” Bacon said. “But Anela and the Kaua‘i SPCA still need help so we can continue to save more angels like Anela. Anela is also looking for a forever home.”
Contributions may be made at gofundme.com/f/anelas-medical-bills, or dropped off at a special fundraising canister established at Natural Pet Hawai‘i in the Puhi Industrial Park.
The Kaua‘i SPCA was formed in early 2017 following a call to assist with an animal-hoarding case where the person caring for more than 50 cats passed away. Kaua‘i SPCA successfully vetted and ensured that all 50-plus cats found forever homes.
The Kaua‘i SPCA is a nonprofit organization founded by concerned Kaua‘i business leaders, veterinarians and animal-welfare advocates to provide a safety net for Kaua‘i’s homeless pets that cannot be saved by existing rescues.
w Info: kauaispca.org
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
A big shout out for the caring people at Kaua‘i Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Kaua‘i SPCA, and the local veterinary clinic as well as the orthopedic surgeon who helped this pup.
On the flip side I am deeply troubled by those disturbed individuals that would injure or cause harm to an animal. “e hele apo i nā mea apau” !!!