Animal Services Helps a 3-Legged Family Pet Gain New Lease on Life.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

A little over a month ago, Suzy Anna, a loveable and spirited Labrador-mix was found underneath her DeLand Family’s car, unwilling to move.

It wasn’t until the next day that the family was able to take a good look as to why Suzy Anna refused to move from under the car, she had sustained a serious hind leg injury, which is assumed to have been from being hit by a car.

Charlotte Walling, a Good Samaritan who frequents Animal Services bringing in animals that are in need, and who has helped Suzy Anna’s family before, came to the rescue. First bringing the pup to a local vet for x-rays, Walling brought Suzy Anna and the x-rays to animal services, where they found the dog’s left rear leg bone had been severed.

Surgery, a hugely expensive option, was not guaranteed to work in Suzy Anna’s favor, so officials at Animal Services agreed amputation was what would be best for Suzy Anna.

The amputation surgery was performed outside of the County’s animal clinic hours, and since the procedure was outside of the normal services, the surgery was done for free.

Last week, after Suzy Anna’s full recovery the 44-pound pup was reunited with her family at the Animal Services’ Headquarters in Daytona Beach.

The emotional reunion was full hugs and kisses from Suzy Anna to her family. She was playful as ever, regardless of the loss of a limb.

“She’s a happy dog again,” said Michelle Barrera, who came with her mother to pick up Suzy Anna. “She’s not hurting anymore.”

Volusia County’s staff veterinarian, Dr. Joni Goldstein, said she was only too happy to volunteer her time to help Suzy Anna recover, according to a release.

“It just makes me very proud to work for an organization that allows us to help an animal in need like this,” said Dr. Goldstein. “It was a lot of people with a lot of big hearts coming together for a dog that’s deserving.”

Virtually everyone involved in the saga of Suzy Anna says Walling is the true hero of the story. But she shrugged off any credit, simply saying that she was happy for Suzy, happy for her family, and incredibly grateful that Animal Services was there to help.

“If it wasn’t for you all, she’d be in doggie heaven right now,” said Walling. “It takes everybody involved. That’s why she’s still here.”