LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) — On a sunny, Sunday October afternoon at the Moonlight Amphitheater in Lexington, the park was overflowing with dogs for Lexington Humane Society’s Bark Bash. At the event, which raises awareness and money for the shelter, many of the dogs there were looking for a permanent — or even temporary — home. However, one dog in attendance…
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) — On a sunny, Sunday October afternoon at the Moonlight Amphitheater in Lexington, the park was overflowing with dogs for Lexington Humane Society’s Bark Bash.
At the event, which raises awareness and money for the shelter, many of the dogs there were looking for a permanent — or even temporary — home.
However, one dog in attendance stole the show — because it’s a miracle he was even there at all.
While most of the dogs were dressed in costumes to celebrate Spooky Season, the nightmare for Cooper is now over.
“He lost his back leg,” explains Katie Stoess, the special events manager for the Lexington Humane Society. “We’re trying our hardest to save his front leg since they were damaged on the same side.”
During a home invasion at his previous owner’s home, Cooper was shot three times. His back leg had to be amputated — and he’s not out of the woods just yet. Efforts are now being made to save his front leg as well, which is now in splints.
“He’s undergone multiple surgeries. It’s just a miracle he’s alive, really. We’re trying to save him.”
Stoess says Cooper was very close to not surviving the surgery.
“Oh, as close as you can possibly get. Anyone, anything being shot three times probably should not be up and walking around, let alone as happy as he is. So, it’s truly impressive.”
And while the incident may have left him broken physically, Cooper still hasn’t lost his faith in people.
“We’ve never seen a sad face on him,” says Asa Wildenstein, an adoption specialist with Lexington Humane Society. “He’s always happy to see everybody. He’s happy to give you kisses.”
“He’s got the best disposition of any dog here,” adds Stoess. “He’s always wagging his tail. He loves everyone that he comes in contact with. He is truly a good example of how humans don’t deserve dogs.
Wildenstein says if you can’t adopt or foster, donations are critical to keeping their operation running and providing emergency care to dogs like Cooper.
“His surgery was a lot of money, and, unfortunately, we rely on donations for most of our funding for just day to day basis, things. So being able to have that extra money to give him the medical care he needs is everything.”
To learn more about Cooper’s journey or to donate to help with his surgery costs, you can click here.