Serafina's Angels

by Audrey Lodato, Executive Director
When two hunters came upon a skinny and frantic spotted dog in the woods last week, they followed him thinking he must be lost. He seemed anxious and upset, and he would not approach the hunters. They soon found out why. The dog led them to the side of a road, where in the mud, bleeding and broken but alive, lay another dog. The hunters wanted to help but as they tried to approach the second dog, the spotted dog kept them away by growling. He seemed to want their assistance but he was fearful. The world at hurt them so much already. What would these men do to her? To him? He protected his friend and later this story would earn him a name.  Gabriel– the guardian angel.
The hunters called Jim Riley, a Dutchess County animal control officer, who hurried to the scene. He managed to get Gabriel into his van and then gently lifted the second dog inside. He drove straight to the Animal Emergency Vet in Poughkeepsie.
At the vet, the injured dog met yet another angel, Chrissy. Chrissy is a veterinary technician who works at the emergency vet. She was broken hearted when they diagnosed the injured dog with a spinal fracture. Chrissy posted the dog’s information on her Facebook page as well as some photos, hoping for a rescue to take her in. Dr. D’Abbraccio, a friend of Chrissy’s and also a board member for Pets Alive, saw the post and forwarded it to me by email.
I looked at that email for a long time. I knew that taking on this dog meant a lot of medical expenses at the worst time of the year-impending winter- when animal rescues struggle financially.  I knew that her road back to health would be a difficult one. But I also knew that Pets Alive had done this before. Rockin’ Robert had very similar injuries and now has a wonderful life in an excellent home. This dog deserved the same chance.
After careful deliberation and staring at this sweet girl’s face for some time I replied – Yes, Pets Alive would love to help. I chose the name Serafina for the Catholic St. Seraphina, who suffered greatly in her life but with the help of angels never wavered from her faith and love of humanity. Angels had surrounded this beautiful girl so far, and I hoped the sainted name would bring her luck.
The next day, Janet and I took a long car ride to Pine Plains Veterinary Hospital, where Serafina was being held. Any dog that is picked up by animal control is held for five days before they can be transferred to a rescue group. This gives the owners a chance to find their dog if they had run away – frustratingly no one was looking for Gabriel and Serafina. While we waited for their hold time to expire our team began to put together a plan for how we could help. We immediately determined that Janet and I would first meet with the vet to ensure that if we rescued Serafina she would be comfortable and have a good quality of life.
When we met Serafina in her cage at the hospital, we both fell in love right away. She had such a sweet disposition even though we knew she must be frightened. Her injuries, although terrible, are manageable for us, and more importantly, for her. Serafina has a spinal fracture that has paralyzed her back legs. She’s also covered in road rash. She was likely hit by a car and dragged. We’ll need to do some further testing to find out if she will be able to walk again or if she will need a cart.
And finally today is the day that both Serafina and Gabriel are released from stray hold. Today is the first day of the rest of their lives. Today they become members of the Pets Alive family. Of course we took Gabriel as well- he is her guardian angel! Serafina will go directly to Oradell Animal Hospital to determine the full extent of her injuries, what surgeries she may need and how we can help her heal from such a traumatic and painful ordeal.
Pets Alive continues to step in and save animals in the most difficult of circumstances. We are a chance for animals that have no other option. However we know the costs associated with Serafina’s care will be a major expense for Pets Alive and we greatly appreciate your support of her rescue, her medical care and her rehabilitation.
She will need a foster home, and then a forever home. We will need your help to help her, but we know that we can count on our supporters. YOU are OUR angels; the ones who help us save lives. Thank you for all you do!!