Tornado Survivor Takes to Cyberspace

As far as social networking is concerned, there are many compelling reasons for joining Facebook. But I cannot think of anything more persuasive than not only having survived a deadly tornado, but having become a doggie who has won the hearts of people all around the country.

So it doesn’t surprise me at all that a scruffy one-year-old mixed breed  terrier puppy named Mason, who survived the ravages of one of the most destructive and devastating storms that hurled through North Smithfield Alabama on April 27, has taken to cyberspace. He already has 3,963 friends, and can’t keep up with the overwhelming number of friend requests.

This is his amazing story: Mason hid in his family’s garage during the storm.  His owners took shelter in their house. But when they emerged after the storm passed, they discovered their home was completely destroyed. The garage was still intact, but their beloved dog was missing.

After many days of searching for Mason, the family gave up hope of ever finding their pup. However, when they returned to search through the rubble and remains of their home many weeks later, Mason, miraculously, was patiently waiting, sitting on what was left of their porch. Sadly, seeing that Mason was seriously injured and without a home or the resources to care for him, the owners (who wish to remain anonymous) called the county animal control office to inquire if they could offer assistance. And they did!

Birmingham-Jefferson Country Animal Control spokesperson, Dr. Barbara Benhart said, "His front legs were flopping, completely broken, they almost wind-milled. So I asked our director if I could farm out this dog to one of my vet friends and see if we could get someone to help us."

Upon looking at Mason, Birmingham’s Vulcan Park Animal Care veterinarian, Dr. Bill Lamb, immediately agreed to help the wounded pup. Dr. Lamb said, "He was dehydrated, malnourished, about 50 percent of his normal body weight." After Mason's condition was stabilized, he was treated by two orthopedic surgeons to fix his legs. Lamb added, "It took three of us three-and-a half hours, two plates and 17 screws later he had legs".

While Vulcan Park Animal Care agreed to care for the courageous little dog at no charge, generous donations that poured in from Birmingham residents will cover the cost of the hardware.

Yesterday I called Vulcan Park Animal Care and spoke with Practice Manager, Chuck Eagar. Mason is making excellent progress. He should be ready to be reunited with his adoring pawrents in about four and a half weeks. 

The sweet, adorable pooch has definitely left paw prints on the hearts of all the staff. To further shower him with human contact, Chuck took Mason home for the holiday weekend, where he enjoyed lounging by the pool.

For updates on his progress, visit Mason’s Facebook page. Let him know you visited by “liking” it.

Leave a comment and share your thoughts about Mason.