Marty
05-04-2006, 02:13 PM
Racine,WI -- A 14-week-old pit bull terrier, victimized by a "backyard operation" over the weekend, has a new name, a clean bill of health and a new foster home.
Chopper, who was named Gotti by his previous owners, was originally brought to the North Shore Animal Hospital Saturday after his previous owners reportedly paid a local breeder $70 to have the dog's ears cropped.
The dog was injured over the weekend in a crude attempt to crop his ears without the use of an anesthetic or a sterile environment.
Chopper underwent successful reconstructive surgery on his ears Monday at North Shore and was placed in foster care Wednesday night.
Linda Axnic, a veterinarian at the animal hospital, said the dog had surgery to clean and repair ear tissue that became infected as a result of the operation that landed him at North Shore in the first place.
On Wednesday, Chopper was frolicking under supervision in a grassy yard behind the hospital with neatly stitched ears and a lampshade-sized plastic scratch collar around his neck.
Samantha Kupper, 20, who is one of two people who will give Chopper a foster home as he continues to make his recovery, said she has provided care for six pit bull terriers in the last three years.
"I'm a big fan of the pit bull breed," she said. "They get such a bad name, but they're naturally a wonderful breed. It really depends on how you train them."
Kupper, who is working with HOPE Safehouse in providing foster care for the dog, said she is passionate about caring for animals.
"I've pretty much been out here every day to see him," Kupper said of Chopper.
Kupper and another volunteer will provide temporary homes for Chopper over the next several days as they work with HOPE Safehouse to find hima permanent home.
Racine County Animal Control Officer Jody Halladay said Tuesday she is continuing to investigate the incident.
http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2006/05/03/local/iq_4025918.txt
Chopper, who was named Gotti by his previous owners, was originally brought to the North Shore Animal Hospital Saturday after his previous owners reportedly paid a local breeder $70 to have the dog's ears cropped.
The dog was injured over the weekend in a crude attempt to crop his ears without the use of an anesthetic or a sterile environment.
Chopper underwent successful reconstructive surgery on his ears Monday at North Shore and was placed in foster care Wednesday night.
Linda Axnic, a veterinarian at the animal hospital, said the dog had surgery to clean and repair ear tissue that became infected as a result of the operation that landed him at North Shore in the first place.
On Wednesday, Chopper was frolicking under supervision in a grassy yard behind the hospital with neatly stitched ears and a lampshade-sized plastic scratch collar around his neck.
Samantha Kupper, 20, who is one of two people who will give Chopper a foster home as he continues to make his recovery, said she has provided care for six pit bull terriers in the last three years.
"I'm a big fan of the pit bull breed," she said. "They get such a bad name, but they're naturally a wonderful breed. It really depends on how you train them."
Kupper, who is working with HOPE Safehouse in providing foster care for the dog, said she is passionate about caring for animals.
"I've pretty much been out here every day to see him," Kupper said of Chopper.
Kupper and another volunteer will provide temporary homes for Chopper over the next several days as they work with HOPE Safehouse to find hima permanent home.
Racine County Animal Control Officer Jody Halladay said Tuesday she is continuing to investigate the incident.
http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2006/05/03/local/iq_4025918.txt