Kona

Sometimes it takes a whole community to save a life..

On Wednesday evening, February 8th, the West Division Squad C-11 of the Edmonton Police Service received a call from caring passers-by about an injured animal on the side of the road in the city's west end. Constables Tames & Thorenson, and Sargeant Edl were involved in the response. At the scene they found a young female German Shepherd X with extensive injuries. She had been hit by a vehicle, but the person involved had left her to her suffering.

The police rushed the dog to the Emergency Vet Clinic in downtown Edmonton, where she received care to make her more comfortable. The extent of her injuries was determined. She has suffered a fractured pelvis, the head of her femur is fractured, she has several pulmonary concussions, and, of course many abrasions all over her small body. No identification could be found, so no owner could be contacted.

During the ensuing hours and days, Kona, as she had by then been named, had many people come to her aid. The Edmonton City Police immediately put out a plea for help towards her care, and both the Edmonton public and business communities responded full force. Kona was taken to the Edmonton Pound who cared for her until it was determined where she could be taken for treatment. Jan Brundell, a Leduc by-law officer and long time supporter of NASAP, was called for help. Dr. Tara-Lee Walters of the Ardrossan Veterinary Clinic provided x-rays and advice, and offered her help at a reduced rate. Finally, Drs. Jim & John Neufeld of the Beaverhill Veterinary Hospital in Tofield, began preparations to accept Kona into care. Jan Brundell and Const. Sheldon Lehman of the Edmonton City Police met at the Edmonton Pound and provided the transfer of Kona to Beaverhill.

Kona is now resting in preparation for her upcoming surgery. First her pelvis must begin the healing process on its own, while Kona remains immobilized at the clinic. This could take up to 6 weeks, and Kona will be provided pain medication during that time. Then she will undergo hip surgery and will be spayed. Of course she will take some weeks after that to finish healing. That's where NASAP comes in. Kona will receive her post-surgery care at the home of our President Lena Harper. Those of us who know Lena know that Kona is one lucky dog.

NASAP thanks everyone who has undertaken to become involved in the love and care that has and will continue to be needed by this fortunate pup. The Edmonton City Police, the Edmonton Pound, and Jan Brundell definitely went above and beyond. The response of the public with donations has been overwhelming. We'd also like to thank Phoenix Fences who donated a kennel for Kona to rest in, and Kendra Barody who will be providing post-surgery therapeutic massage free of charge. A special thanks also to Paul Ackerman of Global TV and the crew of Global who provided media coverage to ensure the public was made aware of Kona's plight. And of course an extra special thank you to the staff and doctors at Beaverhill Vet Hospital, who we know will work around the clock if necessary to provide Kona with the best care possible.

Sometimes it takes a community to save a life, and NASAP is proud to be part of such a caring community.

Kona will be available for adoption after taking the time she needs for her injuries to heal. We have already received many calls offering her an adoptive home. We will record the names of the first 20 people who have called, and they will be the first to be considered for our adoption process once the time comes. Needless to say, Kona will not be able to have any potential adopters visit until further notice.

Today (March 28, 2006) Kona was adopted by her new dad, and we are very happy as he is a paramedic/fireman who is very well suited to help this wonderful dog along her path back to full recovery. Kona was very excited to be going home with her 'dad' (she even gave him a hug when he arrived to pick her up!), and this is indeed a happy ending! Once again, NASAP extends our sincere appreciation to all of the kind and generous individuals who put Kona first and made sure that she would be well taken care of. Edmonton Police Service ~ Edmonton Pound ~ Jan Brundell ~ Emergency Veterinary Clinic ~ Ardrossan Veterinary Clinic ~ Beaverhill Veterinary Hospital ~ Phoenix Fences ~ Kendra Barody ~ Global TV ~ all the members of the public who offered financial support and good wishes for Kona's recuperation