Turkey the puppy survives mother’s attack, looking for a home

Turkey is shown in recovery after surgery at Madison Veterinary Hospital.

A puppy, almost killed by its own mother, has recovered with care at Madison Veterinary Hospital and now needs a home.

Owners brought the puppy to the clinic on Nov. 25, 2011. The female, six-month-old mixed-breed dog was in shock, hypothermic and had sustained multiple bite wounds — the most severe on her back legs.

“The puppy was unresponsive and, though immediate prognosis was grave, treatment was initiated to see if she would respond,” Dr. Lauren N. Smith said. “Remarkably, she began to show signs of improvement. The next day, she began to walk, responded to doctors and technicians and started to eat.”

However, a deep infection attacked her back legs. Concerned that bacteria would reach the bloodstream (septicemia), Smith removed dead skin and rotting tissue, exposing large amounts of underlying muscle and bone. After consulting with a veterinary surgeon in Sacramento, Calif., Smith performed a skin flap and graft.

The hospital staff quickly bonded with the dog, who showed a remarkable spirit of determination to surpass the odds. “The staff named her ‘Turkey’ because she arrived one day after Thanksgiving,” Smith said.

Dr. Patrick Gorman, owner of Madison Veterinary Hospital, approved the use of the hospital’s Sydney Charity Fund to cover costs for Turkey.

Two months after the brutal attack, Turkey is “well on the road to recovery and walks around the hospital with all four legs intact, wagging her tail to make sure everyone knows she is well,” Smith said.

Turkey needs loving, understanding owners, willing to raise a puppy indoors with monthly heartworm and flea preventatives and up-to-date vaccinations.

“Turkey is dog- and cat-friendly but cannot (live) with an aggressive dog,” Smith said. “She is sweet with children but can be initially timid. She just requires patience and a gentle person. She will warm up.”

Now 33 pounds, Turkey probably will reach 38-40.

Smith earned a bachelor’s degree at Sam Houston State University and completed veterinary school at Texas A&M University. “I’m an Army brat and spent most of my time in Germany and Harker Heights, Texas,” she said.

Madison Veterinary Hospital’s address is 1605 Hughes Road. For information, call 256-837-9171 or visit madisonvet.com.