Kirklin is a happy-go-lucky pit bull that has a very charming personality. He is highly sociable and loves playing with both humans and dogs.
He was found homeless and was brought to the shelter facility of an animal charity group called Last Hope K9 Rescue.
Because of his colorful character, Kirklin got adopted a few weeks after he was brought in. But his new family underestimated his playfulness. The pit bull was returned shortly after because they said he was too active for them to handle.
This is when Michelle Begovic, a foster volunteer with the rescue group, offered to foster him.
Injured wrist
Michelle is a seasoned foster parent who takes good care of the dogs under her care. But one day, while taking Kirklin for a walk, the dog somehow fractured his wrist. The foster mom informed Last Hope K9 Rescue, who then sent the dog to their veterinarian. He underwent surgery which involved placing a metal plate to stabilize the bones and help the injury heal faster.
Several weeks later, Michelle noticed that Kirklin was in constant pain and couldn’t put any weight on the affected leg. The dog was sent back to the vet, and the medical team discovered that an infection had developed in the joint where the metal plate was placed. The vet’s recommendation was to amputate the leg.
Michelle said no.
A legal battle
The devoted foster mom became heavily invested in Kirklin and didn’t want to hastily decide about amputation. So without the knowledge of the rescue group, he took the pit bull to another vet. There she learned that the dog’s infection could be reversed using pain control and antibiotic therapy. Amputation could be avoided.
Both parties attained the services of lawyers and went to court. Last Hope K9 Rescue argued that amputation was the clear-cut pathway to recovery. They also wanted the dog back.
Michelle then said that she wanted to adopt the dog and would take care of all his medical bills. If the antibiotic therapy doesn’t work, she will bear the costs of having the dog’s leg amputated. In the end, Last Hope K9 Rescue agreed to Michelle’s proposition.
Kirklin is now living with Michelle, and he is getting better each day.
Source: Last Hope K9 Rescue via Facebook
