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Sasha is one lucky dog.
Several weeks ago, the 2-year-old female Chinese Shar-Pei was hit on a busy eight-lane interstate in Atlanta Ga. The driver that ran over her never stopped to help the severely injured dog.
A witness, however, did. She took Sasha to a local pet emergency clinic. Her hips were crushed, she had a broken leg and ankle, some internal organs were exposed and she had many lacerations.
The total medical bill was about $2,500.
Sasha's story was televised in Atlanta and the woman who rescued the dog raised enough to cover her vet bills. Sasha now has pins in her leg and a plate in her hip, and may need more surgery in the future to remove the pins.
Despite the dog's sad story, no one called the TV station to claim her. So Operation Scarlet Inc., a Chinese Shar-Pei rescue organization based in Lancaster, stepped up to help.
"She'll stay with me until she recovers and we find a home for her," said Dawn Hertzog, who founded the group in 1991.
Two associate members of the group's Georgia chapter traveled from Atlanta to Lancaster on Friday to drop off Sasha and another Shar-Pei, a male found in the Atlanta area, at Hertzog's home. The members were coming to Lancaster for Operation Scarlet's annual luncheon at the Eden Resort Inn Saturday.
"I said, 'Put them all on the plane and bring them along.'" Hertzog said.
Hertzog said Sasha came to Lancaster because the group's members in Georgia were already taking care of several Shar-Pei and didn't feel comfortable keeping Sasha because of her injuries.
"So, of course, I said I'd take her on," Hertzog said.
Hertzog decided to found the group around 1989, when she rescued a homeless Shar-Pei. The dog, named Scarlet, later died, and Hertzog named the rescue organization Operation Scarlet after her.
The organization has 300 members nationwide, and has saved 473 Shar-Pei. It has received numerous awards for its efforts.
The local group plans to pay for any future surgery Sasha needs. The dog won't be up for adoption until she has healed.
The standard adoption fee is $175.
Despite the severity of Sasha's injuries, she is expected to recover.
"Her prognosis is good," Hertzog said. "I've talked to my vet about her condition. The adopter needs to understand, though, that she's not going to be a Frisbee dog or a dog to go running with."
Hertzog has four Shar-Pei of her own at home, not to mention the other rescued dogs in a special "rescue room" at her home. By Monday, she will have nine Shar-Pei available for adoption.
Hertzog said it's always tempting to keep a rescued stray, but she'll search out the right family for Sasha.
"My purpose is to find loving, responsible homes, but it's hard to say good-bye. I see them at their worst - when they're sick and scared - and I get them ready to go. That feeling of knowing that they are finally in a safe, loving home is worth all the work."
For adoption information, call Dawn Hertzog, 397-6362.
She had additional surgery by Dr. Jankowski last week (11/11) to remove the femur from the other hip which had a metal plate and pins. The plate and pins were not holding the bones in place and were causing her a lot of discomfort. She is recovering nicely from the surgery and is back in foster care with Jan Bobin, Vice President of O.S. The additional surgery cost $700. Donations for her care will be greatly appreciated. If you would like to help, please contact Operation by telephone or e-mail. We thank the following generous folks who have already contributed:
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