Scottish Dog Impaled on 10″ Stick Wins Survivor of the Year Title
Fern crowned PDSA Pet Survivor of the Year!
The amazing ‘tail’ of survival of courageous canine, Fern, from Nairn, who fought back from the brink of death after being impaled on 10-inch stick, has led her to be named PDSA Pet Survivor of the Year!
Six-year-old Fern was one of eight plucky pets from across the UK to be chosen as a finalist in this prestigious competition, which celebrates the amazing power of pets who have stared death in the face, but survived against all odds!
Fern’s story
Fern’s ordeal began in March 2007. Disaster struck when the Border Collie decided take a dip in the river to cool off after long walk. After taking her usual running leap into the water, she emerged with a 10-inch stick impaled in her chest.
Owners, Barry Butcher and Clare Molyneux, hurried her straight to the vet, where veterinary surgeons removed the stick from her chest. She had two broken ribs and a collapsed lung; the stick had penetrated her diaphragm, rupturing her liver and intestines, leaving debris in her chest and abdomen. She went on to have two major operations and a blood transfusion to stabilise her.
Clare says: “As well as being a fantastic working dog, Fern’s a member of the family and we couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. The journey to the vets was probably the longest 20 minutes of my life – I hated seeing her in so much pain. The vets said her injuries should have killed her, but she’s a fighter. We are so relieved she’s pulled through.”
After two months veterinary care at Moray Coast Vet Group in Forres and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Roslin, Fern finally had her stitches removed and has gone on to make a full recovery, even giving birth to five healthy puppies in November 2007.
Veterinary Surgeon, Andrew Stevens, who treated Fern, says: “It was touch and go for a while with Fern but happily, she pulled through against the odds.”
Owner, Barry, says: “We are delighted that Fern’s won the PDSA Pet Survivor of the Year Award. All of the finalists’ stories are incredible and they deserve recognition for their courage. Fern has been through so much in the last 12 months, this is a great way of celebrating her will and determination to survive!”
Discussing their prize, Clare, says: “We can’t wait to take Fern away for a well earned holiday. After what she’s been through she deserves to enjoy herself and relax!”
All eight amazing ‘tails’ of survival can be seen at www.pdsa.org.uk. Over the years, regional and national PDSA Pet Survivor titles have been awarded to a variety of pets including a donkey, a tortoise, a cockerel, a goat and a hedgehog.
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