Michelle Neff has her Bachelors in Sociology from the University of Maryland – College Park... Michelle Neff has her Bachelors in Sociology from the University of Maryland – College Park and currently resides in Asheville with her husband, two dogs and various foster cats. When she isn’t eating her way through Asheville’s plant-based deliciousness, Michelle enjoys reading, painting and going on adventures in the mountains. Read more about Michelle Neff Read More
As an animal lover, it goes without saying that your pet’s well-being is very important to you. You would do anything to make sure your dog or cat is taken care of, but sometimes mother nature has a different plan.
When a recent snowstorm hit western North Carolina, Reginald Spencer went to check on his elderly mother and found his dog needing urgent care. It appeared that Trooper, Spencer’s Yorkie, was struggling to breathe. With the roads completed iced over and dangerous to drive on that night, what could he do? Call for help, and luckily, Animal Enforcement officer Jason Stepp came to the rescue. Even with the county animal enforcement officers being swamped with animal welfare checks due to the snow storm, Stepp still found the time to rush the dog to the veterinary’s office.
“Everybody was iced-in, frozen,” Spencer told News 13. “Fire department was busy. He’s [Trooper] suffocating and dying before my very eyes. I called and begged the sheriff’s department, and they sent a four-wheel drive.”
We are thankful Trooper is at the veterinary office, but according to Lindsay Martin, one of the veterinary nurses, he isn’t out of danger quite yet. “It’s really a day to day thing right now. We have him on oxygen. He can’t leave oxygen without having a hard time breathing,” she said.
The Spencer family faces thousands of dollars in veterinary costs. If you would like to make an “angel fund” donation on Troopers behalf, Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital says you can contact the clinic at 828-697-7767. Every little bit helps!
All Image Source: WLOS
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It would be instinct; it wouldn\’t even be something I would have to think about. I would just do whatever in my power to save an animal from harm. Anyone who rises to that occasion has my profound respect and admiration. It helps to hear this, i.e., maybe helps to restore what little faith I have in humankind.
I would to anything to save my cat\’s life if they were in immediate need of medical care. I sure hope everyone else would do the same. Thanks for helping the little dog and his owner. You are a good person.
THANK YOU Officer Stepp for braving the frozen roads to save a man\’s beloved little dog!