CULLMAN — Buck recently lost one of his legs due to an act of animal cruelty.
He will soon receive another one, thanks to his new owners.
Cullman County Animal Shelter Manager Candie Horsley said Buck, a 3-year-old St. Bernard, was adopted earlier this week by a family in Boston due to the efforts of the Cullman Area Animal Welfare Association (CAAWA).
“He’s being transported as we speak,” Horsley said Thursday.
Buck was given to the Boston family on the condition they showed they could take care of his medical needs and get him a prosthetic leg.
“One of the adults at that house is a cardiovascular surgeon,” said Dr. Roy Morring of Animal Medical Hospital in Cullman, where Buck has been taken care of for the past month. “If anybody can see to it the dog gets the medical care he needs and get it a prosthetic, it’s them. I honestly believe he’s going to a home where there is enough money to take care of him for the rest of his life and that is a plus.”
Morring was forced to amputate Buck’s hind leg in late September due injuries the dog sustained while entangled in a cord tied to a tree at his former home. The cord was wrapped tightly around the dog’s now amputated leg and he also had a shock collar embedded in his neck when he was found.
At the time, Buck only weighed 90 pounds, which for a St. Bernard of his age, is about 60 pounds too light, Morring said.
Buck has since made a full recovery and currently weighs 116 pounds.
“Whenever you come by, he’s always happy to see you,” Morring said. “He’s given us no trouble whatsoever. He’s been great ever since we got that leg off.”
The dog’s former owner, Scott Parrish, 40, of Fairview, pled guilty Nov. 9 to animal cruelty in the second degree. Parish was given a two-year suspended prison sentence and one year of probation, supervised by Cullman County Animal Control, said Animal Control Officer Tim McKoy.
Parrish was also fined approximately $1,600 in court costs and medical bills for the dog and was forbidden from owning a pet for two years.
“The guy had never been in trouble before,” McKoy said. “He was remorseful.”
* Patrick McCreless can be reached by e-mail at patrickm@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.
Pet adoptions/donation information
The Cullman Area Animal Welfare Association
CAAWA holds pet adoptions from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays at the Tractor Supply on Highway 31 S, just past K-Mart. Also, CAAWA is requesting donations of portable cages and houses for foster homes to dogs and cats. They also appreciate new volunteers, monetary donations, pet food, bedding, toys and treats. For more information, contact CAAWA at 636-4627.
Animal Shelter
The Cullman Animal Shelter holds mobile adoptions at Pet Depot every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cats and kittens are available for adoption from the Cullman Animal Shelter at the shelter and Pet Depot throughout the week. For more information, contact the shelter at 338-2936. Donations are very much appreciated for the shelter’s Foster Care and Adoption program. Also, foster homes for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are needed. Contact the shelter for donation pickups, to volunteer or with any questions.
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