A DOG’S TAIL
Lulu’s Story

Lulu was dumped in the vestibule of a veterinarian’s office on Long Island. Unfortunately, whoever brought her made a fast getaway before anyone in the office could catch him. There was something obviously and terribly wrong with her, and I would like to think that he dropped her off where she could get care because he couldn’t afford to pay. Lulu was a sorry sight indeed. She appeared to be about eight months old and in seeming good health, except she had lost all her hair and her body was raw and covered in scabs.

The vet on the receiving end of this gift was none too happy, and decided that he did not want to undertake a charity case. However, he did not want to euthanize an otherwise healthy young dog. As a result, he instructed his staff to try to find someplace to send her. Fortunately, one of the staff there was married to one of the doctors where I work. She asked if our hospital could possibly take Lulu in and treat her. Fortunately, the doctor that owns our hospital agreed to care for Lulu, free of charge. That’s how we ended up with her.

As bad as Lulu looked, her condition was treatable. She had demodex mange, a skin condition caused by a mite that lives under the skin. We had her in our office for weeks, where she received many injections, medicated baths, and lots of hugs and kisses. After long sessions of TLC, Lulu recovered and looked great. I am happy to report that we also managed to find her a loving and caring home. She has done well in her new home and I am glad to report that she looked beautiful at her last visit to the office a few days ago. The last I saw of her was her tail wagging as she went out the door.

Here is her story in pictures.