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Plaque from Rufus to Dr. Lozier

When others chose to look away, you didn't.
When others said, “He's just a dog,” you said, “That's reason enough.”
When others said, “It's too expensive,” you said, “He's worth it.”
When others said, “It's too much work,” you gave your time freely.

Now, when I go out for walks, I know you care.
Now, when I lay my head down on both front legs, I feel no pain because of you.
Now, when I'm fast asleep, I am thankful because of you.
Now, when I feel the cool grass beneath my foot, I feel whole because of you.

Rufus and his friend, Dr. Scott Lozier Friends-of-Rufus who have made donations for his medical expenses are: Molly Cook ($2,500) and... Dee Anderson Jennifer Ball Stan and Dixie Bland Patricia Bruggere Marian and Clair Christensen Roberta Cooper Pam Davidson Dianne Geraci Gail Grier Ted Hallock Craig and Judy Heverly Shirley Hilyard Dorothy Hoover Marlin and Carolyn Hutton Kathleen Dalzen Koltz Thomas and Jean Knapper Tracy Lucas Suzanne McKim Donna McMahan James and Barbara Miller Jill Myers Mark Oronzio Richard Robinson Bill Royal Bonnie Sackrider Bruce and Sharon Scharen John and Janice Scripps Dolores Smith Sharyl Soren-Hodges Dez Roberts John Stafford and Julie Harlan Joan Stitt The Dough Works Charles and Diana Wall Margaret Wnusczek

IN THIS CRAZY WORLD, who cares for one little dog with a twisted leg deformed by abuse? It turns out that a lot of people care!

Rufus is a smoothe-coat collie whose old owner’s strategy for obedience training involved breaking his dog’s leg and then refusing to take him to a veterinary clinic. A family member finally intervened and stopped the abuse by taking Rufus to a shelter.

When a veterinarian at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington told us his story, the POOCH youths wanted to help give Rufus a second chance. He came to POOCH last May, and even though crippled and in pain, completed his basic obedience training and passed the Canine Good Citizen tests. Since we wrote about him in the newsletter and on the web site, we've received many donations both large and small from people who want to help get Rufus back on all four of his feet.

Rufus is particularly indebted to Scott Lozier, DVM, and his team at Northwest Veterinary Specialists for their continuing care and treatment. Joan Dalton, POOCH director, recently presented Dr. Lozier with a plaque as an expression of her gratitude and the gratitude of Rufus and his POOCH supporters.

Currently Rufus is taking it easy, quietly convalescing with his friend, Joan Dalton, Project POOCH director, and taking daily morning walks (on all fours) as he learns to trust again.

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