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Onyx
At approximately 9 pm on Wednesday August 31, 2011, Kern County Animal Control Officers, with the assistance of Kern County Sheriff Deputies and California Highway Patrol arrested two individuals on felony 597 (b) charges – crimes against animals.
Animal Control Officers were called to the 3000 block of Weedpatch Highway to respond to a call for an animal in distress. After officers arrived, they discovered a year old male black lab mix with a severed back left leg and what appeared to be pelvic injuries. 51 year old Alberto Castaneda and 59 year old Maria Banuelos were immediately placed under arrest for allegedly severing the dog’s leg and failure to provide veterinary care. The dog was transported directly to an animal emergency hospital by Animal Control Officers in Bakersfield for emergency medical evaluation. Due to the severity of the injuries, the dog will have to have the leg amputated higher and be seen by an orthopedic specialist. The dog is currently in stable but guarded condition. The Lacey Fund created through the Friends of the Kern County Animal Shelters Foundation, once again will be used to pay for ongoing medical care. “Our mission is to foster compassion and humane treatment of companion animals in our communities,” stated Judi Daunell, President of the Friends Foundation. “Our hope is that through the generous nature of our community, Lacey’s Fund can achieve this for the animals of Kern County.” |
Onyx was taken to a hospital in Southern California, where emergency surgery was performed Friday evening. The doctor said he was in very bad shape when he arrived at the hospital, the worst he'd seen, and was taken immediately into surgery. The full extent of what the surgery entailed is not known at this time by Animal Control Officials but we are aware that the left leg that had been crudely amputated had to completely be taken off up to the hip due to infection and his pelvic bones have been fixed and set. During surgery it was necessary for Onyx to receive a transfusion. "If Onyx had not been taken for the surgery today," the doctor said, "he would not have made it through tonight."
At this time Onyx is in recovery. It was reported that Onyx has stolen the hearts of the staff at the hospital and they are amazed how sweet he is even in his condition.
Sept. 3:
Onyx made it through the night. He is on pain management. His red blood count was low so he received another transfusion. He is responsive. It appears nearly certain that he will need additional surgery on his pelvic bone, but that surgery will come later when he gains more strength.
As always, Friends thanks you for your kind thoughts and support.
Sept. 6:
He is much much better today, wagging his tail and chewing out his IV's. He tried to play with a dog that walked by him. He is eating on his own. The people at the veterinary hospital said he is a different dog.
We are waiting to hear when the surgery to repair his pelvis will take place. When we know, we will share that information with you.
Sept. 10:
Check out the photo gallery below for more Onyx photos as he continues on his journey to recovery!
At this time Onyx is in recovery. It was reported that Onyx has stolen the hearts of the staff at the hospital and they are amazed how sweet he is even in his condition.
Sept. 3:
Onyx made it through the night. He is on pain management. His red blood count was low so he received another transfusion. He is responsive. It appears nearly certain that he will need additional surgery on his pelvic bone, but that surgery will come later when he gains more strength.
As always, Friends thanks you for your kind thoughts and support.
Sept. 6:
He is much much better today, wagging his tail and chewing out his IV's. He tried to play with a dog that walked by him. He is eating on his own. The people at the veterinary hospital said he is a different dog.
We are waiting to hear when the surgery to repair his pelvis will take place. When we know, we will share that information with you.
Sept. 10:
Check out the photo gallery below for more Onyx photos as he continues on his journey to recovery!
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Onyx Now Has a Great Life!
Thanks to donations from Friends' supporters, Onyx has a great life and is giving back to others, too!
Onyx was adopted by his surgeon, and he has a wonderful life. He has a family including kids at home. He goes to work with his dad and hangs out at the Barkley Pet Hotel and Day Spa, playing with lots of dog friends. Onyx is now a therapy dog and visits classrooms where kids learn his story. He even has his own Facebook page!
Onyx was adopted by his surgeon, and he has a wonderful life. He has a family including kids at home. He goes to work with his dad and hangs out at the Barkley Pet Hotel and Day Spa, playing with lots of dog friends. Onyx is now a therapy dog and visits classrooms where kids learn his story. He even has his own Facebook page!
