On February 1 on the Leech Lake Reservation in Minnesota, as the temperature plummeted to -29 degrees, Tribal Police Chief Kenneth Washington responded to a call about a dog in trouble. He found a wounded, bloody shepherd mix, reeling in pain and unable to even lift his head. "His eyes were sunken in," Washington recalls. "I thought he might die."
Two years ago, this story wouldn't have had a happy ending. But because the Tribal Police go the extra mile for animals and work with a project called Leech Lake Legacy, there was hope. The project transports animals in need from the reservation to shelters and rescues around Minnesota that can provide life-saving veterinary care, rehabilitation and adoption.
This transport project is supported in part through a special ASPCA program that helps cash-strapped municipal animal care agencies move more dogs to safety. In the last six months alone, we've helped the Tribal Police get hundreds more dogs out of harm's way.
The night he found the dog—named Nibi, Ojibwe for water—Washington called Leech Lake Legacy right away. The next day Nibi was on his way to a new life.
In the Twin Cities, veterinarians noticed that Nibi's leg was so infected that the skin on his foot had split open, and most surprisingly, he had lead bullet fragments in his leg and stomach. His leg was amputated. His infection was treated. Things began to look up.
Today, just over a month after Washington rescued him, Nibi is thriving, getting healthier each day. He greets people enthusiastically and likes to put their fingers in his mouth as his special way of "holding hands." He goes to work at a wildlife center with his caregiver and stares at the mountain lions. He is so happy.
Nibi's story doesn't make headlines, but it's one of millions in which the ASPCA is honored to play a role.
It took a village to save Nibi. They all believed he was worth it, and so do we. If you agree, please consider giving today. On Leech Lake Reservation and all over the country, other animals are waiting for help.
We can't do it without you.