Harriet's Happenings (THE NEWS)

Pit Bull Struck by Freight Train While Pulling Owner Away from Tracks

May 8, 2012

BOSTON, May 8, 2012 – Just after midnight on May 3 the engineer of a westward-bound freight train witnessed an extraordinary scene as he barreled toward a railway crossing in Shirley, Mass.—a dog was frantically pulling an unconscious woman away from the tracks. The engineer made every attempt to stop the train but was unable to avoid striking 8-year-old Pit Bull Lilly before she could clear herself from the train’s wheels.

Lilly’s human companion was unharmed but the dog was not nearly as fortunate. The train’s wheels sliced through her right foot, fractured her pelvis in multiple locations and caused other internal injuries. Critically wounded, Lilly lay down next to her companion, who remained unconscious until help arrived.

Lilly Stays Calm Throughout Calamitous Scene

The train’s engineer later told first responders that he witnessed the dog pulling the woman—Christine Spain of Shirley—off the tracks as the train drew near. The engineer, who asked not to be identified, was convinced the train had struck both Christine and the dog, and realized only after stopping and rushing to their aid that Christine was unharmed but Lilly had suffered a catastrophic injury to her right front leg.

The engineer immediately called emergency services, who arrived to find Lilly standing guard over Christine, who had collapsed alongside the train tracks while walking home from a friend’s house. Lilly’s calm and composed demeanor—despite the wail of sirens, flashing lights and frantic din from first responders struggling to make sense of the scene—is all the more remarkable given her life-threatening injuries, which by now were bleeding profusely. A Shirley animal control officer immediately drove Lilly to an emergency animal hospital in Acton where Boston Police Officer David Lanteigne, who adopted the once shy and anxious dog five years ago from an animal shelter, recovered her and rushed to Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston.

David had adopted Lilly three years ago as a companion for Christine, his mother, who had suffered from alcoholism nearly her entire life. Lilly became the center of Christine’s universe—and Lilly’s presence provided Christine a comfort she had never known. Said David of the bond between the dog and his mother: “Lilly means the world to my mother, who doted on the dog from the moment she came to live with her. Lilly has also played a crucial role in helping my mom drastically reduce her drinking. Lilly’s recovery from this horrific ordeal is my top priority right now and I’ll do everything possible to get her back home to us.”

Upon arriving at Angell’s Emergency and Critical Care Unit, Dr. Alice D’Amore immediately took charge of Lilly’s care. The administration of sedatives and pain medicine calmed her enough to allow the veterinary team to determine the extent of her injuries, and plan for the emergency surgery and ongoing treatment she would require. Lilly’s right foot had been completely “de-gloved”—its skin, muscle and connective tissue torn clear away. Multiple fractures to her left pelvis were especially troubling because, should she survive surgery, she could be permanently unable to bear weight or walk without assistance.

Angell’s World-Renowned Surgery Team Tends to Lilly

The veterinary team concluded that Lilly’s right front leg could not be repaired and the only option would be to amputate the entire limb. Lilly braved this surgery on Saturday, May 5. After a short recovery she endured a second surgery to repair her pelvis and rear left leg—which is now supported with steel plates. Lilly’s life will never be the same as she will be unable to bear weight or walk without assistance for the first few months after her surgery. Still, the veterinary team at Angell is optimistic that the spirit she showed as she rescued Christine may be just the trait that sees her through this new phase of her life.

Said Dr. Meg Whalen, a staff criticalist at Angell’s Emergency and Critical Care unit: “As a 24/7 emergency care hospital it’s fair to say that we have ‘seen it all’ with respect to companion animal emergencies. However, Lilly’s selfless bravery has captured the hearts of our entire staff. Her injuries are very serious and her road to recovery will be long. But she’s got the character and spirit that sometimes trumps all of our medical advances when it comes to recovery. I think she’s got what it takes to get back to her former self.”

Donations Sought to Offset Lilly’s Care

Because of the severity of Lilly’s injuries and the extensive treatment she required, the MSPCA-Angell has provided financial aid through its Pet Care Assistance program to help cover the cost of Lilly’s care. In addition to supporting other MSPCA programs, Pet Care Assistance provides financial aid to families whose animals need emergency, intermediate and critical care at Angell. Readers who would like to donate to Pet Care Assistance can navigate to www.mspca.org/helplilly.

Hero Dog Challenges the Public’s Perception of Pit Bulls

At a time when Pit Bulls are maligned and erroneously stereotyped as violent or unfriendly, Lilly’s bravery is testimony to the true nature of these amazing dogs. Far from being aggressive, unfriendly or indifferent, Lilly is a bona fide hero and an ambassador for Pit Bulls everywhere. The MSPCA-Angell’s Advocacy, Law Enforcement and Adoption Center teams have worked for years to challenge the notion that Pit Bulls are innately dangerous. It is only recently that Pit Bulls have been cast erroneously as villains. At the height of the breed stature in the early 20th century they were often seen as the most decorated heroes in the U.S. Lilly has demonstrated the unconditional love and loyalty that is a hallmark of Pit Bulls—and many, many other dogs as well.

Said Jean Weber, the MSPCA’s director of animal protection: “Lilly’s story has moved us all beyond measure. I hope her actions will underscore the truth about Pit Bulls—that they are amazing animals and are as devoted to their family as any other dog.”

Once Lilly fully recovers from her surgeries she will go home to live with David, his girlfriend and their two Golden Retrievers (whom Lilly adores). Christine has moved in with David to help with Lilly’s convalescence. Lilly’s recovery will be monitored regularly by the veterinary team at Angell to ensure she has every chance of returning to her former self. ♥ ♥ ♥

^ I saw this on the 11 clock news. Just few minutes ago. Bravo to the dog for helping her owner for safety. Sad, about the dog being injured.

wow.

I don't know, if anyone heard Their was bad storm in Ohio & Pennsylvania. Their out of power. It's going be in the 100's this week. The power won't be on until Friday. 5 days with no power.


Anyone lives there?

Now, I'm gonna tell you, how keep cool. Since, it's triple digits


Wear less clothes.
Have battery operated fan use it.
Drink plenty of cold drinks. Water, juice, lemonade, tea, etc.
put your fridge stuff in big cooler. If, the food spoil throw it away. Keep the fridge close.
Unplug the wires
Pets make sure they plenty of water. don't let them do too much.
Got pool/sprinkler? use it.
Read a book
Rest, when you need to.
Stay in the shade, if your going be outside. Don't forget the suntan lotion.
Got kids? make sure they keep hydrate. Not run around so much.

Have fun keeping cool.

It's been very hot here, but luckily my area hasn't had any severe storms.

oh wow.5 days with no power.That stinks

I know. The news mention it, yesterday. Some parts of Michigan, got the storm. Hail the size of golf balls. But, in my area. It was Sunny yesterday.

I live in Northern VA and for a storm as bad as we had, 70 - 80 mph winds to start, we did not lose power.

The kids had friends over and after the storm when they went home, they were met with downed trees and had to try several different roads.

There are still places around us with trees stilll down and no power.

I have never been that scared in a storm.

Theirs a storm heading our way. Today or tomorrow. Will see, if it hit's our area.

It may come our way after yours, if you get it. The last one came through the mid-west first.

If you get it, I hope it's not bad.

We got it. It wasn't bad. Start thundering since 6:30 am. The storm is moving on. The rain has lit up. Just regular rain. Before it was pouring rain. But, looks like gonna rain all day. Maybe other thunderstorm, later on today.

That's good that it didn't get bad. I will be glad when we have a little cooler weather, but still summertime.

I'm glad to hear you didn't lose power, Alice. On the news last night they said that what hit your area was just like a hurricane... but without the advance warning.

Yes it was, Rob. I was sitting by an open window in my room upstairs and all of the sudden there were 70 - 80 mile an hour winds! I was scared! My daughter Mel came up and said lets get your dialysis stuff packed in a bag, we're going to the basement.

What a mess it was, and still some around our area with no power in this heat.

Sent you a pm

Yes, I heard that Canada had sent crews to help us out. We sure needed it and appreciate it very much.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/money/Internet-blackout-for-thousands-coming-Monday/-/1719116/15425904/-/tu4hd6/-/index.html


Here's the link, to see if your infected it. http://www.dns-ok.us/

I checked mine and got the good to go....

I read an article about this a few months ago but had forgotten that the deadline was coming up. Thanks for the reminder! My computer is good to go, too.

I'm good, too. Thanks, Melissa!

Your welcome, everyone. I'm glad, your computers are good. My laptop & desktop is good.

Canadians on monday may not be able to Use the Internet.Do to Estonian Criminals infected Peoples comptures with nasty virus from advertising adds on websites.The news said the FBI will be checking it out.I heard it on CTV news Channel and it was in the newspaper on friday.The Toronto Star.It said not many ppl know that there pc is effected.Mine seems fine.I've been on only on FB.Few forums.Not sure if it effects ppl in the usa either.


You can google it if you like.I know i saw it in yahoo the other day!

Am I the only person who hears Estonian & thinks of



I checked my PC it's

Glad your comptures are good.mine works good.

Is it still safe to use the internet on monday?