Buddy system aids Brooklyn pup - by Amy Sacks, New York Daily News - Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, Inc. - Working with the City of New York to promote dog and cat adoption and spay and neuter programs to make New York a no-kill city.

Home > The Alliance in the News > 2006 Alliance News Items > Buddy system aids Brooklyn pup

Saturday, June 3, 2006

A 3-year-old pit bull mix named Buddy is on the mend after miraculously surviving a four-story fall from the roof of a Bushwick, Brooklyn, brownstone last week. But without specialized medical care, it's unlikely the brave pup will ever walk again.

"The fact that this dog even survived means he deserves a chance," said Garo Alexanian, who runs the nonprofit Companion Animal Network, based in Flushing, Queens, which also administers New York City Animal Care & Control's Safety Net Program (www.718544PETS.org).

Buddy was bleeding and in shock when his owner, a 65-year-old woman who is disabled and survives on Social Security benefits, called Animal Care & Control for help. The shelter was told that the catastrophe occurred when Buddy's dog walker chased after him as he ran up the stairs and then dashed through an open door to the roof.

Fortunately, Alexanian took the near-lifeless pooch to Dr. Eric Kirk, a veterinarian who runs Queens Midway Animal Hospital in Fresh Meadows. Kirk performed surgery to fix Buddy's shattered femur and massive joint damage to the dog's two front legs.

"This dog is very lucky to be alive," said Kirk, who is one of only four city veterinarians who provide low-cost medical care to critically injured animals referred by Safety Net.

The little-known program, established last year by the city-run shelter, was designed to help pet owners solve problems that might otherwise cause them to consider surrendering their pets to the shelter. Among the free and low-cost services offered are legal advice for pet owners entangled in landlord/tenant disputes, low-cost boarding options for pet owners who need to move, advice for solving behavior issues and low-cost veterinary care.

"The goal is to try to prevent people from dropping their animal off at a shelter where they will become another euthanasia statistic," said Alexanian, who is fostering Buddy while he heals.

Still, a full recovery for Buddy will require specialized orthopedic surgery that could cost thousands of dollars. Alexanian is hoping that big-hearted New Yorkers will come to the brave pup's rescue. "This is one of the most amazingly calm dogs I have ever seen," he said.

As summertime heats up, animal experts say simple precautions can help pet owners avoid a similar tragedy. Making sure windows and doors have screens could prevent hundreds of cats and dogs from falling out of high-rise buildings. Experts also warn to never leave your pet alone in a vehicle, as hyperthermia can be fatal.

If traveling with your pet, have your cat or dog checked for heartworm and other diseases first, and always carry a thermos filled with cold, fresh water. Limit playtime to early morning or evening, but never after a meal.

When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. And be on the alert for coolant or anti-freeze, which tastes good to dogs but can be fatal. If you suspect your pet has ingested the liquid, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

New Yorkers and their dogs can learn more about animal safety at the first annual ASPCA Central Park Dog Walk today. The half-mile walk begins at 9:30 a.m. in the East Meadow (at 99th St. and Fifth Ave.). A finish-line festival will feature live music, a microchip clinic, pet agility performances, raffles and prizes, and local pet-related vendors.

Registration is $20, with children under the age of 12 admitted free. Money raised will benefit Animal Care & Control and the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals. For information go to www.aspca.org.

Donations to help Buddy can be sent to: Safety Net Program, c/o Companion Animal Network, P.O. Box 750214, Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375, or call (718) 544-PETS.