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Recently, Ashe County Humane Society was faced with a difficult decision over a six-month-old puppy taken into foster care.

The puppy needed costly surgery that the organization could not afford. At the time, two options were open to them: allow the dog to heal on its own, a slow process that would likely leave it crippled and arthritic for life, or request euthanasia, a merciful death that would save the dog from years of painful, limited mobility.

Fortunately, Ashe Humane volunteers weren’t willing to settle for either option. They went into high gear and, with the assistance of the Greater Charlotte SPCA, found a solution that gave the puppy, now known as Chispa, a second chance for a full, active life.

Chispa’s story began when a Laurel Springs couple found an emaciated, black lab mix entangled in the vines of a creek bed on their property. They quickly freed the dog and contacted Ashe Humane, who agreed to take her into foster care. Soon after, the foster parent took Chispa to the vet and learned that the pup had likely been hit by a car, and suffered a fractured pelvis and a crushed femoral bone. According to the vet, repair would require specialized surgery, at a cost of $3,000-$4,000!

Ashe Humane, a non-profit operating on a shoestring budget, didn’t have the funds needed for such surgery but that did not deter its volunteers, who immediately began to look for a solution – contacting other animal lovers and researching veterinary schools and animal non-profits that might help. Eventually, through extensive networking, Ashe Humane enlisted the aid of the Greater Charlotte SPCA, who agreed to take Chispa into their care, work with their contacts to minimize her surgical costs, and handle her rehabilitation and fostering.

So Chispa was transported to the Greater Charlotte SPCA on June 12 and underwent surgery a few days later to repair her pelvic fractures and remove the head of the crushed femoral bone. A happier, and healthier, Chispa is now recovering in the care of her Charlotte SPCA foster, where she will remain until adopted into a permanent home by their organization.

I’m told that the word “Chispa” means “spark” in Spanish, which seems rather fitting. It was a spark of determination that propelled Ashe Humane volunteers into action and a spark of love that pulled the Greater Charlotte SPCA into the picture. And thanks to the persistence of both organizations, Chispa has been given a spark of hope for a new lease on life.

Chispa’s story illustrates what great things happened when people networked for a common cause and came together to help one little dog. However, there is still the need for the Greater Charlotte SPCA to raise $1,000 for Chispa’s remaining medical costs. Won’t you help them help our Ashe County pup?

You can make a donation directly by mailing your contribution to the Greater Charlotte SPCA at PO Box 77491, Charlotte, NC 28271. Be sure to indicate on your check that the donation is for Chispa.