In Marshall County, Mississippi, a gravely injured dog was rescued by an “angel of mercy” after the owners of the dog just looked the other way.
In a heartbreaking message posted by the Tunica Humane Society on Friday, it’s important to honor the too often unsung heroes. Here is the story of Natalie – a member of the shelter staff, who despite having worked 10 hours at the shelter, didn’t hesitate to respond to a desperate call for helping a dog.
A utility crew working on downed power lines in Marshall county discovered a dog, paralyzed and unable to move. He was lying in some brush, just off the road on Hway 4. He had been hit by a car but was still clinging to life.
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The Good Samaritan who called had not been from the area where the dog was found, but he desperately wanted to get the dog help. He had made call after call to shelters and authorities, and somehow reached out to the Tunica Humane Society.
And there was Natalie ready to help – in total darkness she searched for the dog’s owners. When she found them, the woman at the house said the dog was dead, and that it had been struck by a car over a week ago.
For days this dog couldnt move from the spot where he was injured. He was pounded with sleet and freezing rain. The temperatures at night had dropped in the teens, but somehow, he managed to cling to life.
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When Natalie approached the dog, he growled at her. The dog’s own family refused to even approach their pet. But then the dog looked up at Natalie with “pleading eyes,” and from that moment on Natalie would stop at nothing to help this poor guy and ease his suffering.
While the family watched, Natalie – all by herself – was able to get the injured dog to her truck.
It didn’t matter that it almost broke her back. It didn’t matter that the family didn’t care one way or another. Natalie cared because that’s who she is. She would do anything to help an animal in need. She proved that last night, beyond any doubt.
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The THS staff named the dog Spartacus, because he had been a warrior and fought so hard to stay alive. Tragically, he was just too broken; his hind legs and his hip suffered severe fractures. He suffered from hypothermia after lying in the tall grass with no shelter for days in the sleet and the snow.
And the absolute worst part of what occurred here – Spartacus was just a few feet from the place he had called his home.
Unforgivable, yes it is. I can tell you this, the face Spartacus took with him when he crossed the rainbow bridge, wasn’t his owner’s face – it was Natalie’s face! In the darkest hour it was natalie’s face that gave him peace.
And here’s hoping that angels like Natalie continue to grace our animals in need with their love, kindness and devotion.
Rest in peace Spartacus.
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