A heroic team of police, veterinarians, and selfless bystanders helped save the life of a 10-month-old vizsla puppy Thursday after it was impaled by a tree branch. The puppy, “Lexi,” was on a walk with her family along the trails of Whitney Woods, in Cohasset, MA when the horrific incident occurred.
The family immediately dialed 911 and the South Shore Regional Emergency Communications Center managed to use their cell signal to identify their exact location in the woods, according to Cohasset police. Police and animal control officers ventured into the forest in an SUV, where they located the stricken pup and immediately evacuated her.
“When we originally pulled up, saw the owner, he was covered in blood, shirt covered in blood,” said Brian Willard, the Animal Control Officer on the scene. “If we didn’t have the vehicle that we had, it definitely would have been a lot tougher.”
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“We were dodging rocks and tree roots and all sorts of downed trees and obstacles to get the dog out,” added Det. Harrison Schmidt of Cohassett Police.
Dramatic images were posted by the police department showing the owner in the back of the rescue vehicle using his shirt to tie a tourniquet around Lexi’s neck in order to stem the bleeding. Lexi and her owner visibly distraught, the pair almost appears to be comforting each other as they ride towards help in the back of the police vehicle.
Lexi was rushed to Crazy Paws Veterinary Clinic on King Street, where police report that medics managed to stabilize the young dog before transferring her to VCA Weymouth for emergency surgery.
“Cohasset Detective Harrison Schmidt and Tri-Town ACO Brian Willard helping to carry Lexi into Crazy Paws,” police detailed.
“After receiving several pints of blood, antibiotics, and fluids at VCA, Lexi was stable enough to operate on.”
Last night, Lexi’s owners David Curry and his wife, Barbara Field, relayed a message to the public through the police department’s Facebook page:
“To all , We are too exhausted for any more interviews. Here is the latest to all who have contacted us. Our message is simple, get the news out about the CPD, ACO for our town, and the Veterinarians and associates who helped us so much. Bringing us to a positive outcome, so far,” they wrote.
“In addition we have just received an update from VCA and they say she is sitting up and doing very well. We are so happy. It’s still a long road if you know the breed keeping a 10 month Vizsla still so she can heal properly for 6 weeks will be a challenge.”
As for how the freak accident occurred, the owners said they believe that “Lexi jumped over a fallen tree and landed on a protruding stick,” which severed the main artery in her neck. It was a scary few moments for the couple, who are deeply attached to their pets. “We don’t have kids. Our dogs are family,” Field told Boston 25 News. “Vizslas are very energetic but they’re the most loving dogs in the world.”
As for Lexi, it is good news: “Barring any unforeseen complications, she should be okay after weeks of recovery,” the owners noted.
“It’s still a long road,” said Curry. “If you know the breed, keeping a ten-month-old vizsla still for six weeks, so she can heal properly, will be a challenge.”
UPDATE: VCA South Shore Animal Hospital is reporting that Lexi is doing well and already eating on her own at home with her owners.
(H/T: Cohasset Police Department )